Injured Oak Tree

[T-Max]

I had an approximately 12’ tall chinkapin oak tree get damaged by wind last night. With the concern for oak wilt, should I prune it now or wait for cooler temps. I guess it already has an open wound from the break, so maybe I should go ahead and get that damaged branch off? What say you?


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[Bowsnbucks]

If it were me, I'd prune the branch off, and seal the wound(s) with pruning/wound sealer. Penn State has a web article with pics that says there are a number of insects that can smell fresh oak sap from pruning, wounds, or damage. That smell attracts them from quite a distance. The article says if any of those insects have fed on an oak-wilt-infected tree from elsewhere, they'll spread the fungus to the tree with an open wound. I seal my oak pruning spots with a product called "Tree-Cote". It's a black, tarry goop that I've never had a problem with. I'm sure there are other brands that'll work.

 

[rocksnstumps]

Probably way past the peak for oak wilt fungal spreading where you are at. Up here in WI advisory is not to prune April 15th thru July 15th. Get to it when you can

 

[OakSeeds]

picnic beetles carry the fungus spores to healthy trees; especially, those that have been recently pruned. Rule of thumb: never prune an oak unless it's dormant (leaves off-kind of a problem with some oaks) or after a hard frost. My rule of thumb ... prune oaks between Thanksgiving and St. Patrick's Day. Easier yet ,,, December-March!
Incidentally, I've been told latex paint will seal a wound on an oak tree as well as the more expensive "goop" that costs more. I suspect any/most paint store will have a mismatch qt of latex paint you can buy for a buck or two.

 

[Bowsnbucks]

^ ^ ^ Good info, OS. Latex paint works too. Thanks for posting.

 

[SD51555]

^ ^ ^ Good info, OS. Latex paint works too. Thanks for posting.

I like that tree wound sealer. I applied some to a white pine that a guy beat up with a weed whip. I havent' had him back since.

That's the same stuff I smear on my hard had when the biting flies are having a celebration at my place.