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HOMES PLUS APRIL 2014 4 237050006 To help prevent oak wilt, don't prune oak trees April to July SPECIAL TO HOMES PLUS WAUKESHA – To protect oak trees and help prevent oak wilt, the Department of Natural Resources advises people with oak trees on their property not to prune them from April through July. Spring and early summer pruning makes oak trees vulnerable to oak wilt, a fatal fungal dis- ease of oaks. In fact, homeowners should take special care and avoid wounding oaks in any way from April through July. Any action that provides an opening into the tree, such as carving initials into the tree, accidentally cutting exposed roots with a lawn mower, or attaching a birdfeeder or clothes line, could provide an opportunity for the oak wilt fungus to invade and establish itself in the tree. "Pruning deciduous trees in general should be avoided in the spring, as this is the time when tree buds and leaves are growing and food reserves are low," according to Don Kissinger, a DNR urban forester. Builders and developers also need to be very careful, as many oak wilt infections occur through inadvertent damage dur- ing the construction process. While using tree paint or a wound dressing is not normally recommended on pruning cuts or wounded surfaces on most trees, oaks are an exception from April through July. An immediate light painting of wounds on oak trees is recom- mended during this time to help protect against the spread of oak wilt by beetles. "Just 15 minutes could be enough time for the beetles to land on a fresh wound and infect your tree," said Kyoko Scan- lon, the DNR's statewide forest patholo- gist. While the risk of spreading oak wilt is low after July, homeowners should avoid pruning or wounding oaks until Novem- ber. Check with your municipality to find out if they have their own oak wilt ordi- nances that you should follow, as well. Oak wilt is found in all Wisconsin coun- ties except Ashland, Bayfield, Calumet, Door, Douglas, Forest, Iron, Kewaunee, Manitowoc, Price, Sheboygan, Taylor and Washburn counties. The disease was con- firmed in Rusk County for the first time in 2013. More information about oak wilt and other forest pests is available on the Wis- consin DNR website. Visit dnr.wi.gov and search the words "oak wilt" or "forest health." Additional information about proper pruning techniques is available from your community forester, a University of Wisconsin-Extension agent or DNR urban forestry coordinators. Local remodelers recognized MILWAUKEE – Four Milwaukee/NARI Home Improvement Council Inc. member company representatives were recognized with national achievement awards by the National Association of the Remodeling Industry at the association's annual Evening of Excellence held last month in New Orleans. Chris Egner, owner of Four Seasons Sunrooms/Chris Egner Design-Build- Remodel in New Berlin, received the Pro- fessionalism Award, which is presented to a non-paid NARI member who has shown exceptional leadership, devotion, dedication and accomplishment through his efforts to promote NARI as a profes- sional organization at the local level. David Pekel, owner of Pekel Construc- tion & Remodeling Inc. in Wauwatosa, was honored with the Government Affairs Award, presented to a NARI mem- ber who has demonstrated active involve- ment in pursuing the legislative interests of the professional remodeling industry. Dean Herriges, owner of Urban Her- riges & Sons Inc. in Mukwonago, and Tom Weiher, owner of Carmel Builders in Menomonee Falls, each received a Life- time Achievement Award that recognized their industry accomplishments and awards, along with local community involvement. Herriges, who completed his term as the NARI national chairman of the board, is a third-generation carpenter who operates the family design-build firm with his children and brother. Weiher, who has worked in the remodel- ing industry for most of his adult life and has been a member of NARI for nearly 30 years, has served on association commit- tees, including serving as a committee chair and being active on the board, including a term as association presi- dent. Weiher and Herriges recently complet- ed terms as the co-chairs of the associa- tion's Office Building Committee, helping lead the way on the renovation to the Mil- waukee/NARI office that will be complet- ed this spring. – Homes Plus staff

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