Knowledgebase
Oak trimming, Oak Wilt risk. #927337
Asked April 02, 2026, 11:12 AM EDT
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/