Pruning Oaks in Tx and preventing oak wilt

[Jovary]

Hey im a massachusetts boy in the Houston, Tx area for the holidays. Im currently in Montgomery county and I was going to prune some trees for my future in-laws for xmas. I know Oak wilt is common down here and although Montgomery county isn't listed as have any diseased trees, its only one county over and I'd like to follow the proper practices.

I know winter pruning is preferred but I'm also interested in sealing my cuts. We dont seal wounds in Mass so i was Curious what is the best and easiest seal to use? Also does anyone know any Tree care suppliers that carry it in the Houston area?

 

[Sunrise Guy]

Just use any spray can paint. Flat black seems to blend in fairly well. Oil-based or latex, makes no difference. I used pruning seal paint but it made a huge mess. One of the heads of the TDA told me not to waste my money on it and just use the cheapest spray paint I can find. He swore that it made no difference. Remember, the paint is serving to mask the scent of the sap from the nitidulid beetles, the oak wilt spore carriers. It does not provide a physical barrier, per se. The spray paint advice was given to me at an Oak Wilt Specialist Certification class, so you can bet it's on the money.

 

[Yellowdog]

that's good advice. Just make sure you get enough paint on the wound in case the wound starts to leak. Should be okay in the Houston area. Towards Austin and NW of San Antonio oak wilt seems to be a bigger threat.

 

[ClimbinArbor]

im actually not a big fan of pruning spray(or putting any chemicals into a trees system), but oak wilt and DED are two good reasons to use it.

i always give it a coat. then let it set for 30 seconds or so, then give it another and move on.