The Dallas County Master Gardener Association (DCMGA), a division of Texas A&M Agrilife Extension Service, offers monthly garden tasks specific to North Texas on its website. This month, tree owners are advised to complete pruning of oak trees before Feb. 15 to minimize the chance of oak wilt infestation. Specifically, they highlight not pruning live oaks and red oaks from Feb. 15-June 30. If you must prune, the association advises to always paint the cut end with tree withpaint, being very careful not to paint over the collar of the cut.
More February DCMGA pruning advice includes:
- Prune other shade trees and woody shrubs as necessary to remove dead wood and improve structure.
- Prune all standard roses, except climbing varieties, by about 50 percent by mid-February.
Website: www.dallascountymastergardeners.org
