HARBERT, Mich. — Oak Wilt, a fungal disease affecting oak trees, is moving through Michigan at an alarming rate. While the disease can impact all oaks, the red oak family is the most susceptible, often dying within 30 days of becoming infected.

To help homeowners, arborists, and tree services identify and prevent the spread of oak wilt, a free educational presentation is being hosted by ReLeaf Michigan, a non-profit tree organization, and by the Berrien County Conservation District. Respected plant pathologist, Dr. David Roberts, Ph.D. at Michigan State University’s College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, will provide an overview of the disease and outline its biggest concerns, so homeowners can protect the long-term health and vitality of their trees.

Oak trees make up a significant percentage of Michigan’s forests.  The image of Michigan’s lake areas without oak trees is not a good one!  It is important to know how to spot oak wilt and what actions to take.

Presentation topics will cover the disease, how it affects oak trees, and how it is transmitted via sap beetles to fresh wounds and through root grafts.  Other topics will include how to manage oak wilt once identified, important dates and restrictions, what to do with diseased wood, and guidelines for hiring a tree service or arborist.  The presentation is interactive and attendees are encouraged to bring questions.  Free handouts will be available.

Please join us and protect your trees!

Where: Chikaming Township Hall, 13535 Red Arrow Highway, Harbert, MI, 49115

When: Thursday, October 19, 2017 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Sponsors: ReLeaf Michigan (www.ReLeafMichigan.org)
DNR – Michigan Invasive Species Grant Program
Arboriculture Society of Michigan
Berrien Conservation District (www.berriencd.org)

Cost: This event is free!  
RSVP please to help ensure we have enough
handouts. RSVP to Nancy Carpenter
nancy.carpenter@macd.org or call
269-471-9111 x 3

— Berrien Conservation District

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