Waging war on "oak wilt"

[hotwine]

They didn't teach me anything about this at the Benning or Bragg Schools for Boys...

The problem with oak wilt described in another thread (http://38.118.142.245/ubb2/Forum39/HTML/000620.html) is going to be treated with a U-shaped trench, one leg of which will cut right across (in 3 places) the buried electrical service to my cellar. The same leg will also cut through the barbecue area, requiring relocation of the smoker, derelict deep freeze used for tool storage, and three stacks of oak logs. Moved the 750 lb smoker Saturday and will tackle the rest of the stuff in the next day or so. And I've got to cut down a couple of medium-sized oaks, just for the crew to get their equipment back there. Cost estimate so far is 11 grand but doesn't include individual tree treatment or services of the electrician. At least, given the time of year, I can dispense with cellar chilling for a few days without damaging the contents.