Oak Wilt Prevention Tips.

We have lots of beautiful oak trees in the Austin area. If you are new to Austin you may not be aware of oak wilt, a fungal disease that affects oak trees. Infected oak trees are destroyed by fungal spores that invade and clog the tree's water conducting system. Here are some tips to help prevent the spread of oak wilt:

Destroy Diseased Red Oaks.
Red Oaks include the Spanish, Texas Red, Blackjack and Shumard Oak trees. If you suspect that you have an infected tree it would be best to call a knowledgeable arborist to diagnose it.

Red oaks produce a fungal mat under their bark. The fungal mat emits a fruit odor that attracts beetles. Contaminated beetles spread the disease to other trees.

Live oak trees with oak wilt do not produce the fungal mat, so do not spread the disease in this way. Live Oaks spread the disease through their root systems to adjoining oak trees.

If a Red Oak tree is dead it should be removed immediately and burned, buried in a land fill, or chipped. The heat of a fire will destroy the fungus and will not transfer it to healthy trees. If the tree is left standing, it will contribute to the spread of oak wilt by the fungal mat under its bark.

Be Careful When Buying Firewood.

Firewood that has been cut from diseased trees is a means of spreading the disease to new areas. The diseased firewood may harbor the fungus beneath its bark.

Avoid oak firewood that is unseasoned. In seasoned wood the bark is loose and cut ends are cracked. Fully dried wood does not carry the fungus because it has dried out in the Texas heat.

If your wood is unseasoned, and you are uncertain of the source, cover it with clear plastic. Tuck in the edges so that insects cannot enter and touch the fungal mat, if it is present in the firewood.

Prune Oak Trees During Hot or Cold Months

Prune oaks during the peak heat of summer when there is minimal fungal spore production. (or)

Prune oaks during the coldest months of winter when there is minimal insect activity.

Apply a coat of pruning or latex paint to all oak tree wounds. This will prevent the contaminated beetles from infecting the wound with oak wilt fungal spores.

For more information see these links:
Texas Oak Wilt Partnership or Texas Forest Service