Live Oak - Trimming Lower Branches

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spicerd Baton Rouge, LA(Zone 9a) Aug 14, 2006

Hello -
Back in July I was all prepared to trim the new growth lower branches from the low limbs of two Live Oak trees, when I read that this could "signal a wilt" (or some such verbiage) and damage the trees...

I still need to do this and am hoping that someone can tell me when it is the proper time to do so...


Thanks -

Donald

Post #2622415
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escambiaguy Atmore, AL(Zone 8b) Aug 14, 2006

Oak wilt is sometimes spread by beetles who land on fresh wounds of pruned trees, however it is most often spread by connecting roots. I don't think it's a problem Louisiana (yet). It is recommended to do the pruning during the winter. Oak wilt fungus is most active in warm weather. Many live oaks have died from it in central Texas.

Post #2622540
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Resin Northumberland, United Kingdom(Zone 9a) Aug 15, 2006

Shouldn't be much of a problem on Southern Live Oak (a species in the white oak group) anyway, as oak wilt mainly affects red oaks

Resin

Post #2625519
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escambiaguy Atmore, AL(Zone 8b) Aug 15, 2006

Live oak is the exception. Oak wilt does seem to affect live oaks as easily as red oaks. I don't know why it's more susceptible than others in the white oak group.

Post #2625541
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liveoaklady Metairie, LA Aug 15, 2006

Why do you need to trim the lower branches--intrusion, space......what?
The characteristic of the live oak is short and spreading so I would prune very carefully. Also, I would wait until it is cooler if you have to prune.

Post #2626134
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spicerd Baton Rouge, LA(Zone 9a) Aug 18, 2006

Hello -

Sorry, I was offline for a bit...

I am hoping to trim these thin new-growth branches (I TRIED to get a photo that would show them) - and it is strictly for aesthetics...

The majority of the branches are an inch or so in diameter...

Please let me know any further thoughts / advice...


Thanks a lot -

Donald

Thumbnail by spicerd
Post #2633351
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escambiaguy Atmore, AL(Zone 8b) Aug 18, 2006

I don't see any problem with pruning out those small branches to tidy it up a bit. I would still wait until winter though.

Post #2633371
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spicerd Baton Rouge, LA(Zone 9a) Aug 18, 2006

and another shot...

Thumbnail by spicerd
Post #2633377
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liveoaklady Metairie, LA Aug 19, 2006

I would wait until the temperature falls below 70 degrees. Trimming those small shoots can't hurt anything and will make your tree look much more elegant.

Post #2638784
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StarhillForest Illinois, IL(Zone 5b) Aug 19, 2006

Quoting:
I would wait until the temperature falls below 70 degrees.

Does that ever happen down there in Loooosiana?
;-)

Guy S.

Post #2638796
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liveoaklady Metairie, LA Aug 19, 2006

I don't like your tone of voice Mr. Ill e noise.

Post #2639166
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spicerd Baton Rouge, LA(Zone 9a) Aug 20, 2006

Thanks all -

I am going to await cooler weather and trim 'em up...

Donald

Post #2640275
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