A fungal pressure pad formed on the outside of the sapwood underneath the bark of an infected tree. The pad will create cracks in the bark, where beetles can enter and visit the pad and become covered in spores. They will then leave and move on to infect new trees through open wounds. / Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR
By Alex Hornung, DNR Forest Health Specialist, Plover
Alexandra.Hornung@wisconsin.gov or 715-340-3810
It is again that time of year to pause operating in oak stands or pruning oak trees during the high-risk period for oak wilt, which begins in April. The high-risk period begins April 1 in the South, April 15 in the North, and ends in both zones on July 15.
The high-risk period is determined by when the beetles that carry the fungus that causes oak wilt have emerged for the year and when they are carrying the highest number of fungal spores. When wounds are created by logging operations or other activities that expose sapwood, the beetles carry the fungus to the wounded tree, and the disease process begins.
Continue reading “Oak Wilt High Risk Period Quickly Approaches”
The purpose of the 
Arbor Day is right around the corner, but why wait to start celebrating and learning about trees? The 
TREE Fund offers scholarships for undergraduate students who aspire to careers in arboriculture, urban forestry and related fields. Before applying for any scholarship, carefully read the guidelines for each scholarship provided on the website. 
Now is the time to sign up to Run for the Trees! Racers can complete their Happy Little (Virtual) 5K anywhere outdoors between April 18-26, 2026. The nine-day window includes Earth Day (April 22) and Arbor Day (April 24). 
* These training opportunities are provided as an information service only and do not constitute an endorsement from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR).