Knowledgebase
Pruning oaks late March 2021 #741368
Asked March 29, 2021, 12:34 PM EDT
Washington County Minnesota
Expert Response
Good for you for being conscientious about oak wilt transmission.
You are correct that there is a high risk and oaks should not be pruned between April 1 - July 1 because the beetle that spreads the fungal spores is active at this time. Also try to avoid construction that might damage oak roots as well during this time. Note that there is even a moderate risk from July 1 - October 31.
According to the Extension Natural Resources, "Spring weather promotes the activity of sap-feeding beetles that can transmit the fungus that causes oak wilt disease. Pruning and cutting oaks in the spring months attract the beetles to these trees. The oak wilt disease can be spread through root grafts from an infected tree."
It is best to hold off pruning your oaks until November - March.
If you absolutely must prune your oaks due to damage, access, etc., seal the wound immediately with shellac or water-based paint.
https://extension.umn.edu/natural-resources-news/prevent-oak-wilt
Research has shown trees heal better when wound dressing is not applied. Thus, it should be applied only when pruning is absolutely necessary at a time when the plant is at high risk for disease / pest infestation. An example would be if your oak lost a limb during a spring storm and had to be pruned.
Our colleagues at Purdue University have a very good explanation in Tree Wounds and Healing that I find helpful: "There are few ways wound closure can be hastened, or at least not inhibited. First, it is essential to avoid limiting oxygen availability to the wounded tissues. Oxygen is necessary for proper recovery. For example, painting a wound with any kind of material that interferes or impedes oxygen will slow or even prevent wound closure by poor callus formation. Wound treatment with petroleum-based products is not recommended. In fact, research indicates any type of wound dressing can slow the healing process. There is one exception for treating wounds. This is in areas where oak wilt disease occurs, wound paints may be useful in preventing insect spread of the oak wilt fungal pathogen.
Basically, the best way to help insure proper wound closure and quick and effective sealing of the tissue is a proper pruning cut and preventing damage whenever possible."
Hope this helps!