Oak Wilt Control

Control & Prevention Process

Oak Wilt has spread throughout all of Minnesota and in Anoka County. The City of Coon Rapids maintains an aggressive approach to controlling its spread. The Forestry Division has implemented a prevention program including the following steps:

  1. Inspection
  2. Removal
  3. Re-planting
  4. Sanitation
  5. Various control methods
  6. Public education
Oak Wilt trees from above

The Forestry Division aims to help prevent the further spread of Oak Wilt in the city and to preserve our native Oak Savannah forest.

Inspection

All species of oak are inspected throughout the city by tree inspectors licensed and certified by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture. Inspectors look for early symptoms in spring on trees beginning to leaf out that may show signs of leaf wilting or dieback. Trees are inspected again later during the growing season. Leaf and/or twig samples are taken from suspect trees and diagnosed for possible Oak Wilt infection.

Removal

If a tree is found to be infected with Oak Wilt, it is measured and clearly marked for removal. Property owners are notified by certified mail and are given 20 days from receipt of notice to have the diseased tree taken down and removed.

For a current list of tree contractors licensed in the city of Coon Rapids, call Public Works at 763-755-2880 or City Forester at 763-767-6455 or view the Current Contractors List (PDF).

Re-Planting

Trees removed on public property due to disease or other damage are sometimes replaced by forestry personnel. Factors such as power lines, existing species, available space, and soil conditions are considered when determining if a tree should be replaced in its previous location. If you have recently lost a boulevard tree, please notify the City Forester or Public Works Office.

Sanitation

Oak wood can be disposed of at the Bunker Hills Compost and Wood Disposal Site located at the intersection of Hanson Boulevard and 133rd Avenue. For more information, call 763-767-7964.

Also, it is unlawful for anyone to prune or trim any oak tree from April 1 - June 30. This is to prevent further infestation by the insect that carries the Oak Wilt fungus during its breeding cycle.

Control

There are several successful methods of controlling the further spread of Oak Wilt, including trenching and injection. If you would like further information, contact the email the City Forester.