In most areas where oaks grow, trees tend to be entering dormancy by late.
Dec 14, The best period to prune oaks is between the months of October and March. In spring, stop pruning when daytime temperatures reach 50 degrees. This is because oak wilt - a fatal disease of oaks - is spread by beetles that feed on the sap of tree wounds.
Several of these counties contain the highest abundance of healthy and productive oak forests in the state.
But these beetles are not active in Estimated Reading Time: 3 mins. Aug 13, Late fall/winter pruning is especially important for oak trees to help prevent spread of the fungus that causes oak wilt (see University of Wisconsin Garden Facts XHT). Late spring and summer are usually not good times of year to prune because disease pathogens are present and wound closure is slower. Apr 03, To protect oak trees and help prevent oak wilt, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources advises people to avoid pruning oaks on their property from April through July.
Mar 30, In general, the best time to prune is in winter when trees are dormant. To date, oak wilt has been found in all Wisconsin counties except Ashland, Iron, Taylor, Door, Kewaunee, Calumet and Manitowoc counties. Several of these counties contain the highest abundance of healthy and productive oak forests in the state. Pruning is scheduled for late winter while trees are still dormant to avoid winter injury from exposed pruning cuts. We sterilize our tools before working and between each tree to prevent the spread of disease.
Pruning of edible and ornamental fruit trees should begin the third year after planting.