Knowledgebase

Oak trimming, Oak Wilt risk. #927337

Asked April 02, 2026, 11:12 AM EDT

Hello I'm interested in knowing what your guidelines are for trimming oak trees. Specifically the temperature requirements. And general season for trimming oak trees. Thank you.

Livingston County Michigan

Expert Response

Thank you for contacting Ask Extension. Pruning oak trees is more concerned with the timing and growth and not temperatures. Between April 15 and July 15th, when the tree is actively growing and producing leaves. Also, this is the time when the sap beetles, that carry the disease, is active. Usually we recommend winter to prune oak trees, because spring is when everything is active. 

Here are some references for you. If we can be of further assistance, contact us.

https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/oak-wilt-prevention-starts-now

https://extension.psu.edu/oak-wilt-in-eastern-forests

https://www.extension.purdue.edu/extmedia/BP/BP-28-w.pdf   

https://extension.umd.edu/resource/pruning-trees-home-landscape/

Thank you for contacting us! Replied April 03, 2026, 5:58 PM EDT

Loading ...