Fridley has many oak varieties in upland and well-drained areas which could be harmed by pruning as trees come out of dormancy.
The safe period to prune oak trees is over, according to the MN Dept of Natural Resources.
With recent warm temperatures, oaks are now at high risk of becoming infected with oak wilt.
“Beetles that carry the oak wilt fungus are attracted to sap on fresh cuts on oaks,” said Brian Schwingle, DNR forest health specialist. “Therefore, oaks should not be pruned when these beetles are active, which is right now.”