Lumber from Trees Killed by Oak Wilt

The lumber should be fine, but check for insect damage. March 30, 2008

Question
I have access to a large red oak tree that is dead due to oak wilt. Does oak wilt affect lumber quality?

Forum Responses
(Sawing and Drying Forum)
From Professor Gene Wengert, forum technical advisor:
It does not affect the lumber, except for lowering the initial MC, making sawing more difficult.



From contributor D:
I've cut some terrific lumber out of red oak that died from the oak wilt, but it would be a good idea to look the logs over for entry and exit holes of the red oak borer. Some of that lumber comes off with more holes than Swiss cheese! Still trying to figure out a market for it.