There are two things currently threatening California's oaks- Phytophthora ramorum, also known as Sudden Oak Death, and the Gold spotted oak borer.
Both of these are non-native pests that kill oaks. One is found mostly in wet areas of Northern CA, and the other in certain very dry parts of Southern CA.
What else do they have in common? They both can be spread on firewood.
Kudos this week to UC's California Agriculture and Natural Resources department for getting a good article published on the threat of the Gold spotted oak borer's potential for movement on firewood. See that article here.
And have a great weekend!
Comments
Pests on Deadwood Should Indicate Action Not No-Action
The current policy of leaving the deadwood down makes no sense.
The pests would be depleted first by cutting raking and carting away the dead wood.
I've seen residential area oaks fail in Northern Viginia and Southern Maryland due to pests. I believe that carpenter ants are to blame.
Lets get the congress to require the forest service to clear national forest deadwood, raking the area.
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