Hi,(Sorry I posted this message also in General Arboriculture) There seems to be an Oak Wilt scare going on here in Houston, TX even though there are no recorded cases of trees with Oak Wilt in our county. Here it what I have learned through talking with other Arborists whom I respect.
That the first studies were done in Minn. by wounding a Red Oak with a hatchet, then it was carried on at Texas A & M. Dr. Shigo said that some of the first studies were also done on trees that were flush cut (Texas). There seems to be two sides to this. Question: Can a beetle enter and infect a tree that has had proper pruning cuts? Why can't a Live Oak be pruned in at the end of April in Houston, Tx without risking the tree getting Oak Wilt? Are there two schools of Arboriculture (1) Forestry background (Old) (2) Certified Arborist (Modern). Why is pruning paint recomended for cuts to combat against Oak Wilt? I am looking for factual documented information on pruning in regards to Oak Wilt. I do realize that there is an Oak Wilt problem 150 miles from here in the Austin to San Antonio area and to Dallas 250 miles from here. I would like to get a response to help clear up any misconceptions that I may have. Thank You, Ken Six

Reply to post by Ken Six, on April 28, 2000 at 07:25:31:

Dear Ken, Proper pruning cuts will remain viable to spores of any fungus for approximately 24 - 48 hours. This will depend on environmental conditions, health and vigor of the tree. The reason behind the avoidance of wounding or pruning Oak spe. in the spring is 3 fold. In Dallas we avoid mid Feb thru end of May for the following 1) The mat formation occurs on dying Red Oaks in the Spring months 2) the beatle implicated in the overland transmission of the Oak Wilt fungus has populations which peak in the spring months, and 3) The initiation of springwood vessel formation occurs prior to leaf out. These are the largest diameter vessels formed throughout the season. Wounding of any type can lead to susceptible wounds ie hail, lightning, physical injury. It would not surprise me in the least that you now have it in Houston. But be cautious, there are very few Arborists which can effectively identify the symptoms in the field. I would suggest to call the lab at A&M for sampling and processing of suspected treees.

Reply to post by R Peters, on April 28, 2000 at 07:25:31:

I live in Magnolia, north of Houston. Oak Wilt
is destroying so many of the trees as we speak. The drought last summer amplified the situation. It is hitting fast and hard. So many of the trees on my property ... injected with TEBUJECT & FUNGISOL from Mauget still trees are dying.