Oak trees continue to be at risk of deadly disease

A plant disease commonly called Sudden Oak Death continues to threaten coastal forests in California and Oregon.

Found in 13 California counties from Monterey to Humboldt and in a small portion of southwest Oregon, the disease is caused by the pathogen Phytophthora ramorum. Sudden Oak Death has resulted in the death of tens of thousands of native tanoak and coast live oak trees. In addition, more than 35 other plant species are susceptible to the pathogen, yet most of these species suffer only minor damage, limited to leaf spots or twig dieback. Though Sudden Oak Death is

a forest disease, it is common in urban wildland interface areas, so it presents many challenges for homeowners.

The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection in conjunction with the C a l i f o r n i a Oak Mortality Task Force is currently making available an online s i x p a g e guide, titled " A Homeowner's Guide to Sudden Oak Death" that addresses homeowner concerns, including diagnosing infected trees, disposing of contaminated material, and understanding treatment options that are currently available.

This reference guide along with other information relating to

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be found online at www.ufei.org.