California Trees Under Attack, Are You Part of the Problem?

SAN DIEGO - Jan. 7, 2014 - PRLog -- We have seen an increasing number of disease pathogens and insects attacking many tree species throughout our country.  In Southern California, the gold spotted oak borer, (GSOB), (Agrilus auroguttatu), first introduced in San Diego County between 1990-2000 has spread into Riverside County and is expected to spread throughout California.  This pest specifically targets the Coast Live Oak and Black Oak, (Quercus agrifolia, Quercus kelloggii), both oaks comprising a major part of our red oak forests throughout California.

It Gets Worse!

As if the GSOB wasn’t bad enough, a new destructive pest has emerged within San Diego County, the polyphagous shot-hole borer, (PSHB), yet another wood boring beetle.  Unlike the GSOB that targets limited species of oaks, the PSHB beetle has infested 286 tree species and poses a major threat to landscape trees and orchards throughout Southern California.    This nasty pest threatens the avocado industry, and our beloved natives such as the Coast Live Oak and California Sycamore, (Platanus racemosa).

How are These Pests Spreading?

The main vector for the spread of both woodborer beetles is through the use of firewood.  As infected tree branches and entire trees die, the tree and branches are cut and in many instances, used for firewood.  This is especially true for trees in the backcountry of San Diego and Riverside Counties and where open space lands are cleared and grubbed for development and construction.

Learn more about these invasive pests, how they are spreading and what you can do to reduce the potential threat of infection at http://landscapeexpertwitness.com/2014/01/07/california-t...