I will also be sharing some of my blogs for blog entries at the Northfield News.
To prevent the transmission of diseases such as Oak Wilt and Dutch Elm Disease, it is best to prune these varieties during the late fall, winter and very earliest part of spring. Up until about April 7th, you should be pretty safe pruning, and not have to worry about the beetles that transmit these fungus diseases visiting the fresh pruning cuts. The beetles become active in mid to late April.
Once active, the beetles spread fungus disease by visisting an infected tree first, and getting fungus spores on their bodies. They then move to a healthy tree where they are attracted by fresh wounds to the tree bark, where the fungus spores spread from the beetle to the vascular system of the tree that is vulnerable due to a fresh cut through the bark. Normally, within a few days to a week after a fresh cut or broken branch, the broken ends of the sap carrying tubes in the tree bark seal shut and disease transmission is much less likely.
If you prune your Oak or Elm tree now, prior to April 7th, the cuts should naturally seal off as the sapwood dries a bit around the edges of the cut, and the trees will be relatively safe when the beetles become active later in April. Another tree variety that is best pruned in cool weather is the Thornless Honeylocust. Bark cankers are much less likely to establish if pruning is done before canker organisms become active during warm weather.
Plant Spotlight: Pussy Willow. A sure sign of spring is the delightful emergence of the soft furry catkins on pussy willows. Branches can be cut before or during the process of emergence, and placed in a vase with water to decorate, and give your home that fresh spring feeling. Common Pussy Willow, French Pussy Willow, Giant Pussy Willow, and Black Pussy Willow can all be very nice to add this spirit of spring to your home.
