Live oak trees are quite majestic as they flourish, spreading their long limbs as they reach up towards the sky. Live oak trees remain healthy and sturdy as they grow. However, trimming live oak trees is a must as they grow in ways that are unhealthy or become diseased.
Avoiding Tree Wilt
Trimming is a natural phase of tree care for live oak. However, it must be done correctly, or the tree could be vulnerable to tree wilt. Tree wilt in live oaks is because of an insect called the Nitidulid beetle, which is enticed by sweet smells and fungus.
When tree wilt infects a live oak tree, it withers and dies. To avoid tree wilt, it’s best to trim live oaks in the late autumn or winter months when the cold makes the insect least active.
Trimming a Live Oak
Mighty Oak Tree
Cutting – When cutting off limbs during the trimming task, you have to cut flush with the tree branch or with the tree trunk. This will aid the tree to heal swiftly and to grow branches in that spot on the tree for a very long time.
Trimming Branches – You must trim branches that rub against other branches or other structures close by, are diseased, and branches that grow vertical. Don’t forget to trim flush with the trunk or other branch attached to it. Also, you’ll want to cut off any branches that are close to the ground as this will aid to start growing in the upper parts of the live oak tree and improve its health.
Close All Wounds – When you have trimmed any branches that stop the healthy growth of the tree, you’ll want to close the cuts with a sealer that is non-chemical or a black spray paint right after cutting. This will aid the tree in recovering from the wounds and guarantee continued growth after the live oak trimming job.
Trimming a live oak tree, or any tree for that matter is a dangerous task. Any wrong cut could open the tree up for pests and fungus to come in. If you aren’t familiar with tree trimming, it’s best to hire an arborist to do the tree trimming work for you.
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