MARQUETTE, Mich. (WZMQ) – The Marquette County Conservation District is reminding the Upper Peninsula about how to help prevent the spread of oak wilt in the region.
The deadly fungal disease was first found in the U.P. in August 2024. Oak wilt can spread from tree to tree by either insect transportation or through root grafting. The disease heavily impacts different species, able to kill red oaks in a few weeks, infecting white oaks over a span of years.
From April 15 through July 15, the conservation district says to avoid trimming oak trees or moving firewood. Picnic Beetles, a main above-ground carrier of the disease, are highly attracted to wounded oak, and are active around this time.
“Please don’t wound your oak trees, no pruning, no cutting trees. It’s easy to want to do this time of year while trying to do our yard work, just leave your oaks along until mid-July,” said Marquette County District Forester, Sara Kelso. “Give us a call at (906) 251-3071, we can make a positive diagnosis and try to keep it from spreading.”
If wilt is present, the tree will begin losing leaves along the top due to its lack of water. If this is suspected, don’t hesitate to contact your district forester.
