Native Plants

Q. Who is Mr. Smarty Plants?

A: There are those who suspect Wildflower Center volunteers are the culpable and capable culprits. Yet, others think staff members play some, albeit small, role. You can torture us with your plant questions, but we will never reveal the Green Guru's secret identity.

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Friday - June 15, 2007

From: Austin, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Diseases and Disorders, Trees
Title: Danger of oak wilt infestation in trees with storm-damaged limbs
Answered by: Joe Marcus

QUESTION:

A recent severe storm in Southwest Austin broke large branches and trunks on many Live Oaks in my neighborhood, including my next door neighbors'. Can this invite Oak Wilt? I'm worried about my trees as I don't know which neighbors are knowledgeable about this disease and will seal the wounds.

ANSWER:

Open wounds on oak trees provide an attractive entry point for the nitidulid beetle that carries the Oak Wilt Disease fungus. We recommend that your neighbors properly trim the broken limb stubs on their trees and seal the fresh cuts with pruning paint. While the wounds will actually heal faster without it, the pruning paint will ward off the offending beetle.