Protect Your Oaks from Oak Wilt with Safe, Professional Tree Care

Oak trees are some of the most valuable and iconic trees on Michigan properties—but they’re also uniquely vulnerable to oak wilt, a fast-moving fungal disease that can kill red oaks in just weeks. Because of this, oak tree trimming and removal isn’t just another tree service; it requires careful timing, specialized techniques, and strict safety practices.

At County Tree LLC, we understand how serious oak wilt is in Michigan and how important your oak trees are to your landscape. Our team follows best practices for tree protection, timing, and removal to keep your property safe and your oaks as healthy as possible.Timing Matters: When to Trim or Remove Oak Trees

Timing Matters: When to Trim or Remove Oak Trees

Proper timing is the single most important factor in preventing oak wilt infections.

The Safest Time to Prune – Late Fall Through March

The Michigan DNR recommends trimming or removing oak trees only during the dormant season, typically from late fall through March. During this period:

• The beetles that spread oak wilt are inactive.
• Fresh pruning cuts are far less likely to become infected.
• Trees experience less stress from pruning.

Whenever possible, we encourage homeowners and businesses to schedule oak tree work in winter to dramatically reduce the risk of disease.

 If Work Can’t Wait – April 15 to July 15

Sometimes, waiting isn’t an option—especially if a tree is hazardous after a storm or has structural issues. If oak pruning or removal absolutely must be done between April 15 and July 15:

• Our crews immediately seal all cuts with pruning paint or wound sealant.
• This helps block beetle access to fresh wounds and reduce infection risk.

This isn’t ideal, but when safety is on the line, we take every possible precaution while still protecting surrounding oaks.

Why You Should Never Move Oak Firewood

Moving oak firewood may seem harmless, but it can quietly spread oak wilt over long distances.

• Infected firewood can harbor the fungus responsible for oak wilt.
• Beetles can then pick up spores from that wood and spread the disease to healthy trees.

For that reason, we strongly recommend:

• Burning oak firewood near where it was cut.
• Never transporting oak firewood from an infected area to a new property.

Protecting Michigan’s oak trees starts with small choices like keeping firewood local.

The Risks and Realities of Oak Tree Removal

Oak tree removal is not a DIY project. These trees are often large, heavy, and located near homes, wires, or driveways—making them extremely dangerous to remove without the right equipment and training.

 Oak Wilt Is a Serious Threat in Michigan

• Red oaks can become infected and die within weeks or months.
• White oaks may survive longer but can still decline significantly.
• The disease spreads both through root systems and beetles attracted to fresh cuts.

Because the disease can move from tree to tree through grafted roots, professional crews sometimes use advanced methods like trenching to sever root connections—roots that can reach 5 feet deep or more.

 Why Oak Removal Is So Hazardous

• Mature oaks are massive and heavy, with complex branch structures.
• Removal near structures, roads, or power lines requires precise rigging and control.
• One miscalculation can mean crushing damage to roofs, vehicles, or neighboring trees.

Our team uses specialized equipment, trained climbers, and strict safety protocols to remove oaks safely while minimizing impact on your property.

Expert Oak Care for Michigan’s Red and White Oaks

Oak wilt is a serious and often fatal disease that is wreaking havoc on Michigan’s oak populations. That’s why oak care isn’t something to take lightly.

At County Tree LLC:

• We understand how red oaks and white oaks respond differently to stress, pruning, and disease.
• We follow oak-specific best practices for cut placement, timing, and sealing.
• We design tree care plans that consider your property’s layout, nearby oaks, and long-term health.

We offer oak pruning year-round, but we will always recommend winter scheduling whenever possible to reduce risk and better protect your trees.

Our Oak Trimming & Removal Services

When you call County Tree LLC for oak tree work, you get a full-service, professional approach:

Oak Tree Pruning & Thinning

• Structural pruning for long-term strength
• Deadwood and hazardous limb removal
• Canopy thinning to reduce storm damage risk

Oak Tree Removal

• Safe takedown of dead, dying, or infected trees
• Crane and rigging where necessary
• Root and stump options available

Oak Wilt Prevention & Risk Assessment

• Timing and treatment recommendations
• Inspection for infection risk and spread
• Guidance on when removal is necessary

Why Michigan Property Owners Trust County Tree

Homeowners and businesses choose County Tree LLC for oak trimming and removal because we deliver:

• Free Estimates – Transparent, detailed quotes before we start

• Professional Crews – Trained, experienced, and safety-focused

• No Hidden Fees – Honest pricing with no surprise add-ons

• Excellent Customer Service – Clear communication from first call to final cleanup

• Licensed & Insured – Your property is protected, and so are our workers

We take oak wilt seriously—and we treat your oaks like the long-term investments they are.

Schedule Safe Oak Tree Trimming or Removal Today

If you have an oak tree that’s:

• Showing signs of decline
• Located too close to structures
• Damaged by storms
• Or simply overdue for maintenance

now is the right time to speak with a professional.

Call County Tree LLC today to schedule an on-site evaluation and free estimate for oak tree trimming or removal.
Or request service online at https://countytreellc.com/

and let our team help you protect your oaks, your property, and your peace of mind.