(Lewis) John Lorenzen of the Iowa Department of Natural Resources reminds people to wait until November 1 to prune oak trees. He says this year is no exception.
Lorenzen says November 1 through mid-March is the time to prune to prevent damage or infection from Oak Wilt. Lorenzen says Oak Wilt is a serious disease affecting oaks, spread by small beetles that carry the fungus from an infected tree to a fresh wound on a healthy Oak tree.
Lorenzen says red, black, and Pin Oaks are especially susceptible and can die within the same growing season after the infection.
Lorenzen says it takes Oak trees many years to mature into quality trees, there is no need risking such a long-term investment by pruning early, wait until next month.
