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Forest Health Alert
Oak Wilt - 2021
The City of Liberty Tree Board would like to inform you that Oak Wilt has been found in the area. This is a fast killing fungus that can kill a mature Oak tree in one or two seasons. The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) has put together some resources below that may help you spot Oak Wilt; they also have staff that can help diagnose a tree disease.
If you have an Oak tree, specifically a Pin Oak, take proper precautions when trimming the tree branches as open wounds may allow the fungus into the tree. Do not prune Oak Trees from mid-March until July 1.
Most importantly, if you have an infected tree that is removed it is critical the wood is disposed of properly, even if it’s just the trimmings from the tree.
Here are some online resources that may also help answer questions:
- Forest Health Alert – Missouri Department of Conservation “Oak Wilt”
- Oak Wilt – Missouri Botanical Garden – “Oak Wilt”
- USFS Oak Wilt Brochure – “How to Identify, Prevent and Control Oak Wilt”
For any additional questions, please contact Tom Garland, Assistant Director- Parks at 816.439.4384 or email
Oak wilt disease on an oak tree. Photo credit: Joseph O’Brien, USDA Forest Service, Bugwood.org
Emerald Ash Borer - 2015
The emerald ash borer (EAB) is an exotic beetle that was discovered in southeastern Michigan in the summer of 2002. Since its discovery, EAB has killed tens of millions of ash trees. Emerald ash borer is now established in Missouri and virtually every state north and east. In May, 2015, EAB infestations were confirmed in the City of Liberty. Every ash tree in our area is now at risk of being attacked and killed in the near future.
If you have an ash tree on your property, you should become informed of your options. Without periodic insecticidal treatments, all ash trees in our area WILL be killed by EAB. Now is the time to develop a plan of action to ensure that you are prepared. A proactive plan identifies individual trees that will be preserved or removed, as well as a planting plan to replace the trees that will eventually be lost.
Emerald Ash Borer - Information Network
For any additional questions, please contact Tom Garland, Assistant Director- Parks at 816.439.4384 or email
A 2011 photograph from Wisconsin shows what damage the larvae of the emerald ash borer are doing to ash trees in the United States.Credit...John Ehlke/The West Bend Daily News, via Associated Press