Explore Plants
Ask Mr. Smarty Plants
Ask Mr. Smarty Plants is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.
Can't find the answer in our existing FAQs, submit a question to Mr. Smarty Plants.
Need help with plant identification, visit the plant identification page.
rate this answer
Friday - June 15, 2007
From: Austin, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Diseases and Disorders, Trees
Title: Danger of oak wilt infestation in trees with storm-damaged limbs
Answered by: Joe Marcus
QUESTION:
A recent severe storm in Southwest Austin broke large branches and trunks on many Live Oaks in my neighborhood, including my next door neighbors'. Can this invite Oak Wilt? I'm worried about my trees as I don't know which neighbors are knowledgeable about this disease and will seal the wounds.ANSWER:
Open wounds on oak trees provide an attractive entry point for the nitidulid beetle that carries the Oak Wilt Disease fungus. We recommend that your neighbors properly trim the broken limb stubs on their trees and seal the fresh cuts with pruning paint. While the wounds will actually heal faster without it, the pruning paint will ward off the offending beetle.
Large oak trees add thousands of dollars of value to residential property. The investment in protecting your trees from Oak Wilt Diseases is very small compared to the cost of losing them to Oak Wilt Disease. For much more information, please visit the Texas Oak Wilt Information Partnership website.
More Trees Questions
Restoring the woods in Central Austin.
May 08, 2012 - I live in Austin, south central between Red Bud trail close to the low water bridge and Bee Caves road. My question: I want to make the wooded sections of my yard attractive. They have filtered sun...
view the full question and answer
Stumps of fallen oaks in Hurricane Irene from Newton PA
September 03, 2011 - Two large red oaks fell in the woods in our yard in Newtown PA due to Hurricane Irene. The trees have been removed, but the stumps remain. Please can you recommend some fast-growing, attractive, nativ...
view the full question and answer
Pruning native Senna lindheimeriana
September 28, 2008 - I asked a question about pruning a Texas Senna tree. The Texas Senna I have is either a S. wislizenii or a S.lindheimeriana. It is a beautiful tree that I purchased at a Texas Native Plant nursery. ...
view the full question and answer
Fast growing native trees for firewood in New Hampshire
September 25, 2008 - Can you tell me what FAST growing tree is best for a planned crop? We plan to generate new tree crops every year. We want to use this wood for burning in indoor wood stoves and maybe in an outdoor woo...
view the full question and answer
Selection of a small variety of Desert Willow for SE Texas
August 02, 2011 - Looking to plant desert willow as shrub. Any helpful tips to keep height down and plant full or bushy.
view the full question and answer
 |
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. Mr. Smarty Plants wants you to be his Facebook friend. Click the Facebook icon to add yourself to Mr. Smarty Plants list of friends. |
