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Tree Experts Recommend An End To Oak Pruning This Weekend

Spring is still over a week away, but arborists are saying that the time for oak tree pruning has passed. Oaks are often pruned to remove unsightly or damaged branches to improve its appearance and health. This practice can open up trees to oak wilt, a disease caused by a fungus that can kill a tree within months. Tivon Feeley, the coordinator for the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) forest health program, says, “The best way to prevent the spread of oak wilt is to not prune oak trees between the end of March and the start of October.” Due to recent weather conditions, Feeley recommends moving that deadline up and to finish any remaining work this weekend. Symptoms of an infected tree generally include browning leaves and defoliation from the top of the canopy. Sometimes pruning is required during the growing season, and Feeley recommends treating the area with a dressing like acrylic paint to prevent foreign material from entering the wound. For more information on oak wilt prevention and control, follow the link included with this story on our website.

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