MARQUETTE, Mich. (WZMQ) – Oak Wilt is a devastating fungal infection that affects oak trees that have sustained a wound of some kind. A wound can be a broken limb, the result of trauma from cars or other things that damage the bark. DNR Forest Pathologist Simeon Wright explains how serious oak wilt is.
“Oak Wilt is an aggressive fungal disease that kills oak trees, and it is easily spread when healthy oak trees are wounded in the spring,” said Wright.
The main message from the DNR is to not prune your oak trees between April 15 and July 15, this is when the trees are growing and more susceptible to oak wilt.
“Any wound that gets down below the bark into the wood of an oak tree during that time frame is at risk for oak wilt infection,” said Wright.
Oak wilt is spread by beetles that seek out the fungus produced when an injured tree is infected. The beetles then travel to healthy trees, and if they find a wound of any kind, that healthy tree is now infected. Within six weeks, all the infected trees will begin to die.
“They are attracted to the oak wilt fungus that kills oak trees. They pick up that fungus and then are attracted to wounds on healthy oak trees in the springtime,” said Wright.
The Michigan DNR has an interactive map that shows current infections, as well as a way to report trees suspected of having Oak Wilt. If you think your oak trees are infected, it’s best to report it to the DNR. They can often suggest ways to keep the rest of your trees safe from this deadly fungus.
