Winter is an ideal time to prune or remove oak trees, according to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.
Now through February, oaks can be pruned or cut without risk of spreading oak wilt. Oak wilt is an invasive fungal disease deadly to all the state’s oak species.
“Oak wilt is very expensive to treat, but prevention is often effective and much less costly — even free,” said Brian Schwingle, a DNR forest health program consultant. “One of the best ways to help protect oaks is to do necessary pruning or cutting in winter, which is the safest season to avoid risk of infection.”
The disease is more common in east-central and southeast Minnesota, but it is expanding north and west.
It’s spread by sap-feeding beetles that carry spores from infected trees to fresh wounds of healthy trees.
-
Plus: Minnesota faces storage drought; Forest tent caterpillars cause tree damage -
Stella Mayerhoff/KAXE / Report for AmericaThe meeting was an early step in the environmental review process required by state law for any proposed mines in Minnesota. -
Contributed/Trina Swanson / Luke GulbransonTrina Swanson has raised the most of the two candidates vying to challenge Rep. Pete Stauber, though the Republican has raised significantly more than Swanson and Luke Gulbranson. -
Emma Krab/KAXEMesaba State Rooms lodging project did not align with city plans, Nashwauk City Council decided. -
Plus: MN DNR took comments on Tamarack Mining Project; and proposed lodging denied by Nashwauk City Council
-
Contributed/Pixabay via PexelsThe company cited "unforeseen business circumstances" as the reason for reducing its operation and laying off employees in a notice to the state. -
Plus: Leech lake fisheries seeks public input, youths tackle aquatic invasive species issue
-
Lorie Shaull/KAXEDrew Brockett of Piragis Northwoods Co. in Ely said it was a huge relief to have Fernberg corridor entry points open. But outfitters are still feeling the impact of continued closures. -
Contributed/White Oak Casino / Ryan WhiteBryan v. Itasca County paved the way for the modern tribal gaming industry. The monument recognizes Leech Lake Band member Helen Bryan and her husband, Russell Bryan. -
Contributed/Three Rivers Park DistrictFor Minnesota youths, leaders in charge of combating invasive species in lakes said the work can be a career training game changer.
