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A tree affected by oak wilt has lost its leaves from the crown down. Oak wilt can quickly kill trees in the red oak family. The fungus can be carried by beetles during the spring and summer.
Photo provided by Michigan DNR
DNR asks people to not prune oaks
STATEWIDE — As spring gives way to summer, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources is asking people to let the state’s oak trees grow.
“Oak trees should not be pruned between April 15 and July 15. These pruning guidelines can help keep infection from spreading,” said Simeon Wright, forest health specialist in the DNR’s Forest Resources Division, in a statement. “Once a tree is infected, there is no cure. Without expensive treatments, the disease spreads to other trees and may in time kill all nearby oaks.”
During the April to July period, beetles actively carry fungal spores from tree to tree, putting oak trees at high risk for oak wilt infection. Oak trees with wounds in their bark are susceptible to oak wilt, which can weaken white oaks and kill red oaks within a few weeks.
If a white oak or red oak near you is damaged during the period, the DNR recommends immediately covering all wounds with tree-wound paint or latex-based paint. Painting tree wounds is not recommended for other tree species, as it can reduce the effectiveness of the healing process.
HTPL brings animals in May
HARRISON TOWNSHIP — Animal lovers, the Harrison Township Public Library is for you this month.
On Thursday, May 11, Bailey the therapy dog will stop by for 15-minute reading sessions with kids from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Registration is required. On Saturday, May 13, baby animals come to the library for a petting zoo from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. Feed will be provided, and a craft project will be available inside the library. On Saturday, May 20, ReJoyceful Animal Rescue will bring dogs and cats for adoption from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Adoption applications and fees still apply.
If the crafts on the day of the petting zoo are not enough, a wind chimes craft for kids will be available while supplies last on May 12. Teens, too, can participate by picking up a take-and-make craft kit on that day. Teens can also volunteer to help with the adoption day on May 20. Interested teens can bring a community service form to a librarian to sign up. For more events and to register, visit the library or call (586) 329-1261.
Verkest elected to Michigan Townships Association Board of Directors
HARRISON TOWNSHIP — Harrison Township Supervisor Ken Verkest has been elected to the Michigan Townships Association board of directors.
“The greatest reward of serving in local government is helping and learning from others,” Verkest said in a statement. “I hope that my service as a district director for MTA leads to more opportunities to learn from and help others.”
Currently serving as the director of MTA District 21 (covering Lapeer, Oakland and Macomb Counties), Verkest was elected to the position at MTA’s 2023 Annual Educational Conference, held April 17-20 at the Grand Traverse Resort in Acme Township.
Garfield Road extension work begins
MACOMB TOWNSHIP — The extension of Garfield Road from 22 Mile Road to 23 Mile Road in Macomb Township is anticipated to start May 1 and last through the end of September. Construction operations will take place within the Garfield Road right of way, but disruptions to traffic are anticipated in the vicinity of 22 Mile and Garfield Road. Drivers should expect delays and are encouraged to seek alternate routes when possible.
Stamp out hunger May 13
MACOMB COUNTY — The annual U.S. Postal Carrier “Stamp Out Hunger” food drive will be held May 13.
Residents wishing to participate can leave nonperishable, unexpired food items in a bag near their mailboxes before their letter carriers arrive on Saturday.
From there, the postal carriers will pick up the food while delivering mail and bring it back to the post office where it will then be transported to a local food program.
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