It was part of a chain of events that sparked research into using oak mulch to combat citrus disease, and the results are helping trees survive. Researchers rented a wood chipper to make oak mulch in Ft. Pierce after hurricane damage. (Indian River Research and Education Center)Scientists have been looking for ways to help Florida citrus growers fight the most severe citrus disease in history and the solution may be to spread oak mulch around the drip line of citrus trees. Months of data showed oak amendments improved the soil and that the compounds in the mulch help citrus trees weather the disease. In the meantime, if you have any fallen oak trees, you may want to find a wood shredder and chip away for more fruitful days ahead.