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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Thursday - September 20, 2007

From: Austin, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Trees
Title: Oak leaf blister on live oak tree
Answered by: Joe Marcus

QUESTION:

Our live oak tree has a bad case of oak leaf blister and is really in need of a trim. Will it hurt the tree if we have it trimmed now? Thanks.

ANSWER:

Oak Leaf Blister is more of a nuisance and an eyesore than an actual threat to infected trees. It would be better to wait until winter to trim your live oak, but if you do prune it now be sure and seal the wounds with a latex-based pruning paint to minimize the hazard to your trees from Oak Wilt infection.