Village, Forest Experts Warn of Fatal Red Oak Fungal Disease

Shorewood is warning of a fungal disease that can prove fatal to red oak trees.

Village Manager Chris Swartz said in his weekly memo to residents that due to unseasonably warm weather, forest health experts expect the disease Oak Wilt to appear sooner than it typically would.

Landowners should stop pruning oaks and take special care to avoid wounding oaks from now through July.

That means providing an opening into the tree, such as carving initials into the tree or attaching a birdfeeder or clothesline, could provide an opportunity for the fungus to invade and establish itself in the tree.

If an oak tree needs to be pruned, a homeowner should use wound dressing or paint on the wound once it is created.

Visit the state Department of Natural Resource Forest Health’s website for more information or contact a local forester, at University of Wisconsin-Extension agent (exit DNR), or DNR urban forestry coordinators, for proper pruning techniques.