Good Evening Cindy, 

Thank you for contacting the U of M Extension Service. 

Please click on the following link about oak wilt: https://extension.umn.edu/plant-diseases/oak-wilt-minnesota 

If you scroll down through the information, it discusses what to do with the wood. 

Many oak trees have suffered from the drought the past few years. Were the trees watered the past few seasons? Are you sure they are dying of oak wilt? Here is a link to the plant disease clinic where you could submit a sample for a small fee: https://pdc.umn.edu/

Here is another link about gardening in the shade: https://extension.umn.edu/planting-and-growing-guides/gardening-shade

Here is another link about shrub selection: https://extension.umn.edu/trees-and-shrubs/trees-and-shrubs-minnesota-landscapes

Good Luck!