Oak Wilt Control Questions

wesdor · December 17, 2005, 08:27:44 PM

I am planning to plant 2 - 3 acres of land into oak trees this spring and wonder if I can do anything to protect against Oak Wilt in the future. All total I will have about 40 acres of land that will be planted to hardwood trees, but I'm wanting to start with this small area.

Specifically, I'm thinking of planting the oak trees in blocks, but surrounding them with some other kind of tree (my current thoughts for the other tree are Silver maple). As I understand it, oak wilt is partially transferred through the root systems and that is why I'm thinking of planting another species of tree.

At the moment I am thinking of planting white oak. Would there be a better choice? I live in western Illinois.

I am hoping that with a bit of careful planning I can protect the health of the oaks as they grow.

Any wisdom would be greatly appreciated. I know I'll never see these trees to full maturity, but hopefully somebody will be happy with what I can leave behind.

Ron Scott · December 17, 2005, 10:44:12 PM

Oak Wilt primarily attacks the red oak so white oak would be preferable to plant. Do you have oak wilt infestation in your near area?

If you plant red oak, mix it with other species as you suggested so as to break up the red oak spacing and connections of the red oak root systems.

wesdor · December 18, 2005, 12:51:26 PM

Thanks Ron,

that was about what I was hoping to hear, but it is better to hear it from an expert.

jon12345 · December 19, 2005, 03:21:31 PM

Here is a link I found that tells one method of how to control it

http://www.na.fs.fed.us/spfo/pubs/howtos/ht_oakwilt/integrated.htm

Texas Ranger · December 20, 2005, 10:17:18 PM

OK, I need to read all articles before I comment, just posted at the SODS post about wilt, and lo, here is the poopsheet for it.

wesdor · December 21, 2005, 05:47:29 PM

I realized that I didn't answer your question regarding Oak wilt in our area.

To the best of my knowledge, there is no problem in our area, but my opinion is that I should be pro-active in planting new trees. After all, if all goes well, this will long outlast my lifetime and I want to do the best possible to keep things healthy.

I believe the best method is to not plant too many of the same variety tree in the same area and plan to proceed with that plan.

Thanks for your expertise and quick response.