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Protecting Your Oak Trees from Sudden Oak Death

Fri, 19 Sep 2025 15:13:27 GMT

Protecting Your Oaks from Sudden Oak Death

Sudden Oak Death (SOD) has become one of the most serious threats to California’s forests and residential landscapes. This invasive disease—caused by the water mold Phytophthora ramorum—has killed hundreds of thousands of oaks and tanoaks across the state and continues to spread.

Understanding the Threat

SOD infects oaks and tanoaks through bark and leaves, causing bleeding cankers, dieback, and ultimately tree death. Once established in an area, it can move quickly through wind-driven rain, infected soil, and plant material. Early detection and proactive treatment are essential to saving valuable trees.

Science-Based Treatment

Our Northern California crews stay current with the latest research from the University of California, Berkeley’s Forest and Plant Mycology and Pathology Department. Following their recommendations, we treat susceptible oaks with Agrifos® , a proven phosphonate fungicide. When applied properly, Agrifos can help boost the tree’s natural defenses and slow the progression of SOD.

Our Approach

Monitoring & Diagnosis: We inspect your oaks for early signs of infection and sample as needed.
Targeted Agrifos Application: Treatments are applied at the correct time of year and dosage for maximum effectiveness.
Integrated Care: We pair treatments with best practices such as sanitation of equipment and proper disposal of infected debris to limit further spread.

Take Action Now

If you have oaks on your property, now is the time to act. Preventative care can mean the difference between saving a healthy tree and losing it to Sudden Oak Death.

Contact our team to schedule an evaluation. Together, we can help protect Northern California’s iconic oaks for future generations.

For more information on Sudden Oak Death research and treatment guidelines, visit UC Berkeley’s Forest and Plant Mycology and Pathology resources.

Why Hire An Arborist

Wed, 01 Apr 2020 19:14:53 GMT

You wouldn't perform surgery on yourself, Learn why its important to hire a professional arborist

Arborists specialize in the care of individual trees. They are knowledgeable about the needs of trees, and are trained and equipped to provide proper care. Hiring an arborist is a decision that should not be taken lightly. Proper tree care is an investment that can lead to substantial returns.

Well cared-for trees are attractive and can add considerable value to your property. Poorly maintained trees can be a significant liability. Pruning or removing trees, especially large trees, can be dangerous work. Tree work should be done only by those trained and equipped to work safely in trees.

What is a Certified Arborist?

An arborist by definition is an individual who is trained in the art and science of planting, caring for, and maintaining individual trees. Certified Arborists are individuals who have achieved a level of knowledge in the art and science of tree care through experience and by passing a comprehensive examination developed by some of the nation’s leading experts on tree care.

Services Offered By Arborists

In our next post, We'll show you why its important to that you work with a licensed and insured company.

Tips for planting new trees

Tue, 17 Mar 2020 16:06:09 GMT

Late winter and early spring is an excellent time to plant if you are thinking about planting new trees. With the loss of so many of our precious old growth pines and oaks here in Idyllwild and surrounding mountain communities, we are faced with the responsibility and privilege of helping to establish and care for the next generation of trees that can add to the value of our lives, properties, and future generations.
It is truly sad to lose our large, old growth trees that make Idyllwild so beautiful and awesome, and while it certainly does take many decades for trees to grow from nursery to magnificent giants, young trees can bring hope and enjoyment.

The forest can and will regenerate naturally and it is a proven fact that responsible and diligent forestry on our parts can definitely help the process and there are good conversations to be had about the management of our public lands and forests.

Our yards and properties however, will need some help from us and my aim in this article is to provide property owners with a few tips for planting and establishing new trees in their yards.

1 . Consult with an arborist or a forester. An "old tree guy" should work also, but an arborist is educated in tree selection, matching tree species to planting site, soil science, and industry planting standards. Even if you don't hire the Arborist to do the work, at least just get some advice from him or her. They will be happy to provide pointers.

2 . If you choose to plant yourself, here are a few tips that will help you get your trees started.
Number one: Tree Selection. Choose the correct species of tree. I can not over state this enough. This arborist strongly recommends that you choose tree species that are native to your area. If you choose exotic tree species, do your homework and figure out which ones match your local climate and site.

Once you've decided on species, if at all possible, find a good nursery that will let you be selective abut the trees you pick. Look for healthy trees with a good, balanced structure, intact bark, free of diseased or dead parts.

Matching the right tree to your site and Tree selection are the critical first steps and the following link to International Society of Arboriculture's tips on New Tree Planting will provide many other helpful tips for planting and establishing new trees that can add value, life, and enjoyment your property and neighborhood.