(Area) The Iowa DNR’s Forestry Division warns it is best to wait until after October 15th to prune oak trees.
Oak wilt is the main concern if certain trees are cut too early in the year. “Oak wilt is caused by a fungus and has been present in Iowa for many years. Our red oak, black oak, and pin oaks are more susceptible to oak wilt, but it can impact our white oaks and burr oaks.”
Bryan Hayes with the DNR Office in Lewis says the Forestry Department is happy to answer any questions. “Those folks are out there to reach out to. If you go to IowaDNR.gov under conservation you’ll find our Forestry section. It’s a small section of the DNR, but it’s an important section as they care for our forest resource.”
Colors are changing in Northwest Iowa this time of year and Hayes would encourage a trip to that area of the state if you’ve never seen it in the fall. The peak colors in Southwest Iowa are projected to peak in mid to late October.
