The Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority is shared tips avoid the spread of Oak wilt to area trees.
The wilt grows in the sapwood of Oak trees, and recently the Canadian Food Inspection Agency detected it in Niagara Falls and near Barrie.
It had been known to be in the Mid-west US since the 40’s.
Red Oak trees are particularly susceptible, resulting in the death of the tree within a single season.
People can help preventing its spread by not transporting firewood between areas and by avoiding pruning of oak trees between the months of April and November.
Oak wilt spreads when fungal spores are moved by sap feeding insects from an infected tree to a freshly pruned or injured oak tree.