Why treat for oak wilt?
Oak wilt treatment consists of systemic fungicide injections to help protect trees as oak wilt moves through the root systems. Preventative application is preferred, however, therapeutic applications can be used to help prevent further decline. Preventative treatment can achieve success rates as high as 85%-90%. Therapeutic results will be lower and often depend on the individual health of the candidate, as well as the tree’s performance at the time of treatment. Any issues with performance should be recorded as it can be valuable information understanding responses to oak wilt treatment or any future decline.
What is the best method for oak wilt treatment?
Macro-injections are the preferred method of treatment when dealing with oak wilt. It is the recommended method of treatment by the Texas Forest Service. Macro-injections consist of excavating the flare root, and then drilling and inserting injection tees around the flare. This allows for better displacement of the fungicide throughout the tree. We utilize several different low pressure containers to deliver the fungicide to the trees. Trees are dosed according to inches DBH (diameter at breast height) with Alamo, the industry standard fungicide for treating oak wilt. Adjustments may be made for trees with extensive damage or canopy loss. Some trees may not complete uptake during treatment. This can be due to many variables, including overall tree health and fullness of canopy with regards to DBH measurements.
What trees should you treat?
Success of treatment depends greatly on timing of the application. Preventative applications are preferred. Treating trees near disease, prior to being challenged will increase your chances of being successful. Trees within approximately 100ft of disease should be assessed for treatment in efforts to save as oak wilt moves through the root systems. Trees not showing symptoms and near disease are the best candidates for treatment. Any therapeutic responses may be due to disease progression and a late reaction to infection. Therapeutic treatments will be considered for “high value” trees in efforts to stop disease progression and minimize further decline. Contact us today if you have questions about the health of your trees, or if you would like more information about oak wilt treatment for your property.
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