sources for tree wound paint - Ask Extension
Due to disease and storm damage I will be having two of our ten ancient oak trees removed later this week, (March 20-28),weather permitting).I’ve be...
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sources for tree wound paint #926203
Asked March 17, 2026, 9:18 PM EDT
Due to disease and storm damage I will be having two of our ten ancient oak trees removed later this week, (March 20-28),weather permitting).I’ve been advised to have “latex” paint ready to cover the stumps to prevent disease (oak wilt, primarily) from spreading to the other oaks. My online research tells me also of shellac based and pruning sealers with fungicides. Which type is recommended and how can I find sources for that paint here in Central Ohio? Thank you.
Franklin County Ohio
Expert Response
Lorene
I am sorry to hear about the damage to your ancient oak trees.
From your correspondence it is seems like one or more of your trees is already infected. If so, disease transmission can happen by two mechanisms: overland spread of the fungus by beetles or underground via direct tree-to-tree root transmission.
The beetles are typically active April 15-July 1, so I would suggest you move quickly on this project. And, I would suggest painting the stumps with latex paint to prevent beetles from accessing sap from the infected tree. Also, make sure all infected wood is removed or treated properly (see factsheet below).
However, underground transmission can represent a signficantly higher risk, depending on the distance between the trees. Underground transmission can be mitigated by trenching or cutting root contacts. For this procedure, I highly recommend you contact an certified arborist who specializes in this technique.
Regarding the latex paint. Ohio Extension recommends using latex paint. Any commerically available latex paint should work, painted or sprayed. Some extension offices recommend using a darker color paint.
Oak Wilt | Ohioline
Once a tree is infected, chemical treatment is not usually an option, due to the high cost of intervention. Therefore, I would strongly recommend you contact a certified arborist to look at the trees to determine which are infected and which can be saved. I know this is disheartening to hear, but a specialist will help you plan the best course of action. But, note this needs to be done quickly before the start of the growing season and active season of the beetles.
To find a certified arborist:
OCISA | Find an Arborist
All the best, Roxanne
I am sorry to hear about the damage to your ancient oak trees.
From your correspondence it is seems like one or more of your trees is already infected. If so, disease transmission can happen by two mechanisms: overland spread of the fungus by beetles or underground via direct tree-to-tree root transmission.
The beetles are typically active April 15-July 1, so I would suggest you move quickly on this project. And, I would suggest painting the stumps with latex paint to prevent beetles from accessing sap from the infected tree. Also, make sure all infected wood is removed or treated properly (see factsheet below).
However, underground transmission can represent a signficantly higher risk, depending on the distance between the trees. Underground transmission can be mitigated by trenching or cutting root contacts. For this procedure, I highly recommend you contact an certified arborist who specializes in this technique.
Regarding the latex paint. Ohio Extension recommends using latex paint. Any commerically available latex paint should work, painted or sprayed. Some extension offices recommend using a darker color paint.
Oak Wilt | Ohioline
Once a tree is infected, chemical treatment is not usually an option, due to the high cost of intervention. Therefore, I would strongly recommend you contact a certified arborist to look at the trees to determine which are infected and which can be saved. I know this is disheartening to hear, but a specialist will help you plan the best course of action. But, note this needs to be done quickly before the start of the growing season and active season of the beetles.
To find a certified arborist:
OCISA | Find an Arborist
All the best, Roxanne
