In the same area as the oaks I reported on in the previous post, I also inspected some ponderosa pine trees that have received fire mimicry treatment. These are photos of the pines after 5 years of treatment. While the responses of the pines are not as dramatic as seen in the nearby oaks, there is a noticeable improvement in canopy density of the pines. For comparison, the last photo set shown is of an untreated pine.
Last week I checked up on some oak trees in Glen Ellen, CA to see how they are faring after five years of fire mimicry treatments. I took photos of the oaks and compared them to photos taken five years ago at the same time of year. These are the results. I’m pleased to report that most of the oaks are responding noticeably in terms of canopy density and greenness, and some have improved dramatically. A few of the oaks have a stem canker disease, possibly sudden oak death. These oaks have not shown much response, though it is relevant to note that there are no clear indications of decline in canopy health of these diseased trees in five years. This may even be considered a positive result.
I’ve been away for the past 5 weeks, working on a project in Ireland. (Hint: the project made front page of the New York Times one week ago today.) While I was away I received messages from two clients concerned about the health of their oaks. In both cases they noticed a sudden browning of the oak canopy. The reports were definitely cause for alarm considering the prevalence of Sudden Oak Death, and other diseases and inspect pests that are afflicting the oaks in Marin.
Upon my return I promptly inspected the oaks and and am happy to report that in both cases the sudden “browning” was due to a heavy bloom of male flower clusters, which give the tree a brown appearance. I took photos of both trees, showing that they both are improving noticeably since their initial treatment with fire mimicry.
Ive
Sudden Oak Life 
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