Oak wilt is killing our Dripping Springs oak trees, but there are steps we can take to stop the spread. The disease is caused by a fungus carried by beetles. When an infected beetle lands on a fresh pruning cut, it can infect the tree. Most  infected oak trees will die within a few months and, thanks to the massive root system of live oaks, spread the disease to other trees. The beetles are active during the spring weather and tree experts say, as a rule of thumb, do not prune oaks between February 1 and June 1. 

But no matter what time of year, whether in the really hot or really cold months that the beetles aren't typically active, always paint fresh pruning wounds immediately after you cut the branch. If you see your neighbors cut a branch and not paint the wound, ask them to please paint. Hand them a can of pruning paint. Or just about any kind of spray paint. PEC says, to prevent oak wilt, they routinely clean their saws with a strong disinfectant, and treat wounds with pruning paint. But, we have witnessed them not paint. If PEC is trimming on or near your property, just check to be sure.

If preserving our trees doesn't grab your attention from an aesthetic (or cool shade) perspective, keep in mind that oak wilt, and the lack thereof, can have a tremendous impact on your property value. We checked with Dripping Springs realtor Sandra Steele who offered the recent example of a 110+ acre "oak wilt free" property in Dripping Springs that sold in December for over $15,400 an acre. On a 10 acre tract of land, oak wilt can swing the price by a staggering $10,000 - $20,000 per acre. No matter what size the land, even a 1.5 acre lot, the presence of oak wilt provides definite leverage for the buyer. 

Cut a cedar tree, haul some rocks, plant a garden, but, while we're in the zone, leave those oaks alone!

For more information on oak wilt, visit texasoakwilt.org.