We are all assessing the damage from this ice storm and its terrible impact on our trees and homes.
The question I’m hearing most often is, “What about all of these broken oak branches and the potential spread of oak wilt.” I have confirmed this week, through numerous credible sources, that wounds in oak trees are only vulnerable to the beetles that spread oak wilt for approximately 72 hours. Regardless of how oak trees are wounded, either at the hands of man or mother nature, oaks are only vulnerable to the transmission of oak wilt by nitidulid beetles for approximately 72 hours.
This is good news because this event occurred at the very beginning of what is normally considered a high-risk period for oak wilt transmission. Of course, the damage was caused by the ice and freezing temperatures. Temperatures have remained fairly low since the event and cold temps are forecast for this weekend. This should have delayed the high-risk period for oak wilt transmission and hopefully prevented what could have been an oak wilt catastrophe.
However, any new wounds made in oak trees should be painted, either with tree wound dressing or better yet, latex spray paint.
Thank you for your patience with our admin staff as they work to help schedule consultations or provide referrals for tree damage repair.
There is much more important information to share about this event and it’s impact on our trees.
For the most efficient service at this time, text us
or call (512) 655-9401.
BE SURE and leave your contact information including name, cell number, and email address. Your physical address would be helpful as well.
Thank you for your patience.
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Scott George
President
Austin Beautiful Trees, Inc.
