The trees in Texas are some of the most beautiful parts of our state. In some parts (like West Texas), they’re extremely rare. In the Dallas/Fort Worth area where we do most of our work, however, trees are everywhere.
One particular kind of tree that is found all across our state in different varieties is the mighty oak tree. In a perfect world, we could simply allow these impressive giants to spread their limbs as far as they like. But many times, in order to strike a balance between nature and civilization (as well as to prevent disease that can damage or destroy), it’s necessary to trim a few limbs.
“When is the best time to trim oak trees in Texas?” It’s a question we get a lot, so we thought we’d answer it here. You may not be a certified arborist after reading this, but you will know the important things about tree care and how to find the best arborilogical services in Dallas when you’re done.
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Best Time to Trim Trees
Generally speaking, most trees should be trimmed or pruned during the fall and winter months. When the weather gets colder and trees shed their leaves, they begin to go dormant. That means the life-giving sap which runs through their veins, drawing nutrients up from the roots and out to the tips of their branches, begins to retreat back down closer to the ground.
Best Time to Trim Oak Trees in Texas
When dealing with oak trees, it is especially important to pay attention to the time of year. While it is safe to trim oaks anytime between June 30th and February 1st, the best time to trim oak trees in Texas is in January or February.
Worst Time to Prune Oak Trees in Texas
If the fall and winter months are the best time to trim trees, then you can safely assume that the worst time to cut limbs is during early spring and summer. During these times, the trees are using a lot of energy to put out new growth after being dormant for so long. If you introduce fresh wounds by trimming during this time, the tree may not be able to divert many resources to heal itself.
Trimming trees when they are active can create several problems.
- It can interrupt growth.
- It can create wounds that insects can attack.
- It can expose the trees to disease.
Disease Alert: Oak Wilt
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Oak trees are especially susceptible to a disease known as “Oak Wilt.” It’s a condition that is caused by the fungus Ceratocystis fagacearum. All oaks can be affected by it. However, red oaks seem to deal with it the most.
Oak Wilt is spread in one of two ways, either by the bark beetle or through roots connecting one oak to another (like in a grove of Live Oak trees). Bark beetles pick up spores from the fungus on an infected tree then carry them to an exposed wound on another oak. Since the fungus travels through the same tissue used by the tree to take in water and nutrients, it easily spreads from tree to tree when their roots are joined together.
Because of how it travels, Oak Wilt can quickly and easily move between different species of oak trees too. It would not be unusual for a bark beetle to carry infected spores from a red oak to an improperly pruned live oak. Once the disease gets into the network of roots there, the entire live oak colony could eventually be destroyed.
(Oak tree trivia: a small group of trees, especially live oaks or elms, is called a “motte”.)
Controlling Oak Wilt
Unfortunately, there is no chemical treatment currently recommended for the control of Oak Wilt and no one method of control has been proven to work in every situation.
Because oak wilt fungus advances so rapidly, the best way to control it is to stop it from spreading early on. It is important to pay attention to your trees so that you can spot any unusual behavior early. Once you notice any of the signs of Oak Wilt such as leaf vein discoloration, sudden out-of-season color changes, or splitting bark with fungus underneath, contact a certified tree care specialist who can recommend the best course of action.
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You may be able to simply cut away infected branches. But if several trees share a common root system, it may be necessary to dig a series of deep trenches as well in order to sever the connecting roots and prevent the disease from spreading. Some infected oak trees may have to be destroyed completely to protect the others.
A good offense is often the best defense when it comes to tree disease, though.
- Prune in late fall or winter. Avoid February-May when the fungus is most active.
- Store firewood away from healthy trees. Cover it with clear plastic to trap and “cook” any insects that might be living in it.
- If you buy firewood in the winter and aren’t sure where it came from, be sure to burn it up before Spring.
- Plant a variety of trees. Groups of trees that are all the same species can easily pass problems from tree to tree. Having several different kinds of trees is not only visually appealing but also creates a healthier landscape as well.
Using a Certified Arborist
While you can certainly trim your trees yourself, it is best to work with a certified tree care specialist to ensure the best results. They will know:
- The best time of year to work with your trees (and the worst time)
- Which limbs need to be trimmed
- How to make proper pruning cuts
- How to spot and treat fungal diseases
- How to safely handle tree removal if necessary
Landscape Horticulture Services Can Help
We’ve taken care of trees in the Dallas/Fort Worth area for over 20 years, and we understand how valuable the trees in your landscape are to your aesthetic and the environment. We also know how frustrating it can be when they become damaged or diseased.
That’s why our certified arborists work closely with each of our clients to ensure the best preservation and care of their trees. We currently service over 5,000 specific trees throughout DFW! Check out our page on Professional Tree Services in Dallas, Fort Worth, and surrounding areas for more details.
Then contact us to schedule a free estimate and find out how we can help keep your oak trees looking good!
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