Southern California Oaks Under Attack
Oak trees in the back country of eastern San Diego County are under attack by a beetle presumed to be relatively new to California and not previously connected to the deaths of these types of trees in this area. Only very recently has the correlation to the dying trees and the rare shiny green oak borer been made. It is difficult to determine at this time the exact number of trees infested and killed by this pest, but it is thought to be a spreading problem affecting perhaps hundreds of square miles.
The connection was discovered somewhat inadvertently by United States Forest Service entomologist Tom Coleman while investigating widespread damage to oaks in the Cleveland National Forest where many trees were dying from what was assumed to be the drought conditions of recent years in Southern California. Coleman instead noticed that the trees were under some sort of aggressive insect attack and subsequently discovered the culprit – which may be named the Gold-spotted Oak Borer (Agrilus Coxalis). Oaks were infested with the beetle – drought was most likely not the primary cause of tree deaths although it may have been a contributor.
In a press release dated August 15, 2008 the Forest Service formally announced the discovery and the nature of the widespread problem citing the cause officially as the wood boring beetle.
According to the press release: “Evidence of insect attacks on oak trees can be seen by the presence of the insect under the bark, D-shaped exit holes in the bark, woodpecker foraging, and bark staining on the trunk of the tree and larger branches.”
The infestation seems to be confined to the eastern part of the county although now spreading over what appears to be a widening area. It is estimated as many as 70% of the trees in the locale may be bug-ridden with mortality rates nearing 10%.
The oaks are the primary trees of many landowners and are, in some cases, over a hundred years old, some even older. Local residents are concerned that they will lose their trees to the beetle and are looking for ways to treat them.
The Forestry Service is working on a plan for 2009; they have held public meetings around the county since October of last year to get the word out on the pest and measures which can be taken to treat for it and, importantly, prevent its spread
In Campo, California, one rancher, Lonnie Sole, is initiating his own proactive measures using a liquid blend of worm castings and yucca extract to spray trees. His treatment, though not yet officially sanctioned by the State of California’s Department of Agriculture, appears to be working as he tests it on his own and his neighbors’ trees.
In the Letters to the Editor section of the Back Country Messenger, September ’08 edition, Lake Morena Village resident Jerry De Lucia described the problem he had with his oak trees dying. He tried increasing water to the trees which was a recommended solution. It did not work. He became increasingly concerned he would loose all 22 trees on his property when he was recommended to Mr. Sole.
A treatment regimen was initiated on the dying oaks consisting of spraying them at intervals with the liquid blend of worm tea and yucca extract. Results were quickly noticeable and it appears to have brought the infested trees back from what was a sure death. De Lucia claims in the article that his trees, after treatment, recovered and “almost looked like four years ago” – before he noticed any problems. He further states “If your trees look like they are dying, I highly recommend Nature’s Big Bud (Worm Castings) Premium (100% Organic Liquid) Plant Food.” Apparently the treatment made a believer out of him.
Nature’s Big Bud Worm Castings Field Tech, Richard Buck, has been spraying trees at Legacy Ranch and surrounding areas. He has had great results with the liquid blend. (He also has tested it on trees affected by Sudden Oak Death, a pathenogenic disease involving a fungus-like bacterial infection and claims good results in treating it.)
As an aside and a warning to unsuspecting residents of the area, a so-called tree ‘expert’ from out of area has been wandering the back country in the vicinity of Cuyamaca (and probably other rural places) offering to spray trees with a spectricide chemical – at an outrageous price. The U.S. Forest Service has not recognized this nor any chemicals as an effective treatment at this point to kill this particular beetle. Residents are warned not to be taken in by any opportunists as of now. When a treatment method is approved, I’m certain the Forest Service will let people know. And, it would be wise to only deal with known and reputable local businesses vice traveling ‘flimflammers’!
The loss of these trees is far more than an esthetics matter. Large scale deaths of the oaks will contribute to soil erosion problems, increased fuel for wildfires, and loss of habitat for varied wildlife. The infestation is a growing threat over a large area with potentially devastating results. Let’s hope the Forest Service and other related agencies will find a solution to the problem soon.
Perhaps they should contact Mr. Lonnie M. Sole of Campo, California to confirm his ‘Go Green’ organic treatment method has merit rather than resort to the customary use of harsh and polluting chemicals which will contribute to toxic runoff into our waterways and underground water supplies.
About the Author
Root C 311 Multiple Borer
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