Stop the Chop: April Through July, Let Your Oaks Lie to Prevent Spread of Disease

(KNSI) — The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is asking people to remember a simple rhyme that could prevent the spread of oak wilt disease: Do not prune in April, May, June or July.

Oak wilt is a non-native disease that can kill any oak species in the state. It’s spread by sap beetles as they move from infected logs or trees to fresh cuts or wounds on healthy oaks. The beetles are active this time of year as the weather warms, so spring and early summer are considered high-risk times for pruning and cutting oaks or moving infected oak firewood. The risk drops past mid-July, but once a tree is infected, the disease moves down the trunk and through the roots to neighboring healthy oaks.

Several counties, including Benton, Meeker, Morrison, Sherburne and Stearns, are on the list of counties affected by oak wilt. “Treating oak wilt can be difficult and costly, but fortunately, prevention is simple and cheap,” said Brian Schwingle, DNR forest health program coordinator. “By following simple pruning guidelines and avoiding the highest risk period from April through July, people can limit the spread of oak wilt in their yards, woods and communities.”

The agency also cautions against moving fresh oak firewood, as it can spread the disease over long distances. Anyone looking for firewood should use locally sourced or certified firewood by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture to prevent the spread of oak wilt and other invasive species, such as the emerald ash borer.

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