A tree fungus disease called, "Oak Wilt" is thought to have first appeared in central Texas but has now reached Houston. It attacks trees at their roots, slowly but surely killing them. This means 100 year old, prized live oaks can be destroyed. Oaks are resilient and can withstand heat, cold, high water, low water and wind. But they're no match for this scourge.
So how can you keep your trees safe? Avoid inflicting, "open wounds" to their bark at all costs -- especially in spring. We're not necessarily talking about carving your initials into the trunk: This disease can happen from simple nicks -- like when a lawn mower scratches against the base of the trunk. When oaks are injured they leak sap. That sap attracts a nasty little beetle which feeds on what weeps, but that beetle can also transmit the disease to an otherwise healthy tree. That bug acquires Oak Wilt from feeding on other affected trees. Spring is the most active period for this process and while sometimes mistakes happen, do be sure to avoid pruning from February 1st to July 1st. Before an after that time, the beetles are not active and the risk for transmission falls.
Texas A&M released this information [link], outlining the latest prevention tips and what to do if an open wound happens. -Brooks Garner
