Many new Oak Wilt disease centers are caused by human activity. We can all take steps to reduce the chance of starting a new Oak Wilt center.

• Avoid pruning oak trees between early February and late June.
• If it is necessary to prune susceptible trees, or if trees are wounded, use a wound paint (pruning sealer) immediately. A new infection can be started quickly on a fresh wound (less than 15 minutes). Wounds are naturally sealed off by the tree after about a week. So painting old wounds is of no value.
• Trench around active oak wilt centers to stop the spread of the fungus through common or grafted roots.
• Watch trees in and around oak wilt centers for new infections. Take steps immediately to prevent additional spread.
• Sanitize cutting equipment with a bleach solution (or Lysol® spray) before cutting on an oak tree and before moving on to the next tree so as to avoid the possibility of cross contamination.
• Avoid firewood infected with the oak wilt fungus, unless it has properly dried (12 months). Cover new firewood piles with clear plastic for one year. Make sure that the edges of the plastic are buried with soil to prevent insect migration out of the wood pile.

Oak Wilt is a serious problem. Call us before you work on your trees or if you suspect that you have a problem.