Protect Your Oak Tree from Fatal Fungal Disease

Pruning an oak tree over the spring and early summer months can make it vulnerable to a fatal fungal disease.

The risk of the disease oak wilt moving from one tree to another is greatest April through July, the village warned in the manager's memo last week. In fact, homeowners should take special care and avoid wounding oaks, or causing an opening into the tree, over the four months. 

"Any action that provides an opening into the tree, such as carving initials into the tree, accidently cutting exposed roots with a lawn mower, or attaching a birdfeeder or clothes line, could provide an opportunity for the oak wilt fungus to invade and establish itself in the tree," the village says.

The village encourages residents to visit the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources' website to learn more about oak wilt and other forest pests. Just search forest health in the search bar.