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Q. Who is Mr. Smarty Plants?

A: There are those who suspect Wildflower Center volunteers are the culpable and capable culprits. Yet, others think staff members play some, albeit small, role. You can torture us with your plant questions, but we will never reveal the Green Guru's secret identity.

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Friday - July 23, 2010

From: Beloit, WI
Region: Midwest
Topic: Pruning, Trees
Title: Best time of year to trim oak trees from Beloit WI
Answered by: Barbara Medford

QUESTION:

What is the best time of year to trim oak trees?

ANSWER:

In Central Texas, where the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center is located, our question is more when NOT to trim oak trees, because of that scourge of red oaks and live oaks, Oak Wilt. We found this site on Oak Wilt in Wisconsin, which includes a map of the counties in Wisconsin that have been affected.In Wisconsin, you should not prune oak trees in April, May, June and July. Nothing should be pruned in the heat of summer, so we would recommend you do your trimming in October or November, when the trees are semi-dormant, but before heavy snowfall impedes your activity.

 

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