2nd update on surgical procedure for Sudden Oak Death

Two years ago I came across a coast live oak in Big Sur with two stem canker infections, probably Sudden Oak Death. The above photo shows one of the infections prior to treatment. In the original post two years ago “Surgical procedure for Sudden Oak Death” I showed the suite of steps involved in removing, cauterizing, and poulticing the stem canker infection. This oak has also received fire mimicry treatments, which involve moss and lichen removal, along with applications of compost tea, soil minerals, and limewash. Below are the results after two years. While the wound it darkened due to the cauterization, it is clear to me that upon careful inspection both wounds are showing rapid healing and no sign of infection remains. The final photo set shows that the canopy of the oak is denser and lusher than prior to treatment.

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Coast live oaks in Novato, CA respond to fire mimicry

Last year I began fire mimicry treatments on three coast live oaks in Novato, CA. The first oak, shown in the images above and below (Case Nos. 20190220.1 & 20190220.1b), is an ancient Miwok-era oak with an estimated age of more than 300 years. It was in fairly good health when I treated it and is now showing an even denser canopy than before. Also, note that the last photo set in this series shows two oaks, one treated and the other untreated. The untreated oak is showing some increased browning of the canopy, while the treated oak is showing a clear increase in canopy density.

Ailing oaks in Big Sur respond to fire mimicry

Two years ago I began fire mimicry treatments on a grove of sick coast live oaks in Big Sur, CA. Most of the oaks have responded well, including several that underwent surgical removal of bleeding stem cankers (probably Sudden Oak Death). Here are the before-and-after photos of the treated oaks. Note the photos are the same date, time of day, and light conditions as original photos.