In my opinion, oak wiltis the most controversial subject related to landscape trees in Central Texas. I became interested in oak wiltin about 1987, at a demonstration given by Dr. Dave Apple from Texas A&M. The subject tree was in an area where oak wilthad hit hard, killing several Live Oaks around homes in the neighborhood. To this day the test tree is alive and growing after secondary treatments.
I have learned a lot since 1987 from changing doses and strategies along the way. I have stayed in contact with the diagnostic lab at A&M, while employing my own methods and strategies in the war with oak wilt. My results have grown more and more successful over time, with the new methods which I developed.
In 20 years as an arborist, I have heard some absurd ideas about oak wilt. From smoke spreading the fungus, to oil on the tree trunk will save it. Truth is, oak wilt prevention is common sense. Eliminate the source–eliminate the disease.
People have been scammed and taken advantage of more often than not. The statement “A healthy tree is an immune tree” is NOT TRUE. The statement “Drought causes and smoke spreads oak wilt”—is also not true. I have seen firewood from infected trees cause oak wilt. Firewood is one main cause of problems in many landscapes, but not from smoke. It’s from the presence of infected wood.
People with Oak Trees in their landscape should be aware of their source of firewood, many landowners let people in the firewood business cut infected trees out of their pastures.
There is no set time for trimming, although winter is best. You should always use all available precautions trimming trees.
Trees can be worth up to 20% of your property value. Always consult with an established arborist before choosing a site to build your home or before buying. The trees can make all the difference. Remember “Don’t invite it–Don’t fight it.”