- Home
- News
- Forum
- Sports
- Features
- Arts
- Business
- Obituaries
- Comics
- Gallery
- Classifieds
- Commentary
- Advertisers
- Contact Us
4,029
1,535
Fungus is killing our oak trees
I want to educate people about sudden oak death. A fungus called p. romorum was found in California in 1995 and now infects many oak species. It also affects many other species such as the Douglas fir and bay laurel. The fungus causes the oaks leaves to dry out and turn brown, and the tree eventually dies.
If one tree in an oak woodland suffers from sudden oak death, then others are likely going catch and spread it. Dead oaks are also one of the main causes of wildfires. Oaks are also a main part of the ecological cycle serving as home and food for wildlife.
Some solutions include moving bay laurels 15 feet away from oaks, because they are a main carrier, or to use an agri-fos fungicide, which does not cure oaks but can protect them.
A way that you can help is by joining a local oak mortality force, or contacting a local Master Gardener to learn how to care for infected oaks or oaks in your neighborhood. Lastly, it is important when traveling areas with sudden oak death to wash your tires, your pet’s feet and your shoes. Also don’t bring firewood or other plant life to a new area.
Remember, this isn’t a joke, help save the oak.
Hallie Tobia
Sixth grade, Korematsu Elementary, Davis
Comments
