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 connection 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 affected 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.
The infestation area 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 area may be infested 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 and will hold public meetings in October of this year to get the word out on the pest and preventative measures which can be taken to treat for it.
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 local paper, The Back Country Messenger, September '08 edition(pg16), local resident Jerry De Lucia describes 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 as well as laying a base of worm castings around the root zone and a watering schedule to assist the treatment.
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.
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.