The state is warning residents not to prune their oak trees this spring.
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources says trees across the state are at risk of oak wilt. That’s a fungal infection that can weaken white oaks, and kill red oaks within a few weeks.
Flying beetles carry the fungus, which can enter trees through open wounds. The fungus can then spread from tree to tree through root systems.
Simeon Wright is a forest health specialist with the DNR. He says any activity that risks wounding an oak should be put on hold.
“Pruning, tree removal, lawn mowing activities around the base, if you can hold off on some of those activities until the summer months, that will help prevent the spread of infection.”
The DNR says to avoid those activities until after July 15th.