This website is best viewed in a browser that supports web standards.

Skip to content or, if you would rather, Skip to navigation.

Listen Live
Donate
MARYVILLE

KXCV-KRNW


News Brief

Oct. 3, 2024Des Moines, Iowa |  By: Jeremy Werner

Iowa DNR offers reminder for oak tree owners

an oak tree

DES MOINES, Iowa - The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is advising residents to hold off on pruning oak trees until after Tuesday, October 15 to prevent the spread of oak wilt, a deadly fungal disease.

Officials with the DNR say pruning during the growing season can attract beetles that spread the fungus to healthy trees through open wounds.

Red, black, and pin oaks are especially susceptible, often dying within the same summer they're infected.

If pruning or storm damage occurs during the growing season, Feeley recommends treating wounds immediately with acrylic paint. Learn more at iowadnr.gov.