What you need to know about Oak Wilt
WHAT Is Oak Wilt?
Oak Wilt is a destructive, incurable and deadly fungal disease that is a threat to ALL oak trees in northeast Ohio.
Why Should YOU Care?
Trees with Oak Wilt usually die, affecting the beauty of your landscape, decreasing your property value and costing you money to manage the disease and remove the tree.
How does it Spread?
Oak Wilt is carried by beetles that are attracted to fresh cuts on oak trees, and also spreads directly to neighboring oak trees through root-to-root contact.
Oak Wilt Educated
Independent Tree's PHC Manager has been certified by the Ohio Chapter of the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) as "Oak Wilt Educated." He was one of the first 15 people in the state to receive this certification. Our team is informed of all of the latest details about this destructive fungal disease, and we know the best ways to keep your trees protected, healthy, and thriving.
How To Prevent Oak Wilt
Preventing Oak Wilt is fairly straightforward - just follow the 4 tips below and contact our Certified Arborists with any questions.
Don't Prune Oaks April 15 - October 1
Disinfect Pruning Tools Between Cuts
Paint Pruning Cuts Immediately
Don't Move Oak Firewood
If Your Oak Trees Are Infected
There is no cure for Oak Wilt. Once an oak tree is infected with Oak Wilt, the only question is how quickly it will die.
However, there are some things you can do to slow down the disease and stop Oak Wilt from spreading to other oak trees.
Oak Wilt By The Numbers
Years since discovery
Oak Wilt disease was first discovered in southern Wisconsin and northern Illinois in about 1929.
Mortality Rate
While some oak species survive for up to a few years, all will eventually die after being infected with Oak Wilt.
Months Not To prune
Don't prune oaks between April 15 and June 15. Better yet, wait until Oct. 1 as infection can still occur after June.
