FAQ

FAQ - Questions

Q: What is the oak tree's trunk growing rate per year?

Q: How is oak canopy cover measured or determined?

Q: What type of topical fungicide can cure or prevent further damage of rotting bark in oaks?

Q: Can once infected GSOB oak firewood from one region cause a new GSOB infestation in another?

Q: My oak trees are quite old and they are dropping tiny tan colored jumping beads, what are they?

Q: Is it safe to do a deep watering under oaks on occasion for home irrigation, say once a month? What would be the minimum "drying out" period needed between waterings?

Q: Is the dripline of a live oak tree generally a circle, or does it follow the footprint of the branches? If it follows the actual branches, is it closer to where the braches actually are after pruning, or does it tend to follow the footprint of the branches if they had not been pruned off?

Q: In the "Oaks 'n' Voles" article on this website it was mentioned that there were plans to test various protective treatments for oak seedlings. Have any positive solutions or results come from these protective treatment tests, and would any be useful in protecting our existing 6'+ valley oaks from further vole damage?

Q: Is there a way of estimating the ages of oak trees?

Q: Is it possible to eliminate acorns from valley oaks, if so what’s the approximate time of bloom?

Q: Is there anything that can be done to stop the death or the decline of blue oaks that experience canker growth and dying branches?

Q: Local oaks are producing fewer acorns this year. Are other species in other locations also not producing acorns?

Q: Where can I find information and links regarding fertilizing mature oak trees, specifically, symptoms and risks of over fertilization, such as oaks producing over growth resulting in increased flowering, acorns, etc.

Q: Many if not all of the mature Quercus douglasii seem to be somewhat hollow inside. In addition, ants seem to be associated with most of the oldest, largest trees. The hollow condition seems to contribute significantly to the mortality of the trees. Is the hollow condition a result of the ants or some other process like fungal invasion? And which comes first, the fungus or the ants?

Q: Another article explained how drought affects tree growth and suggested strategies for growers, which include: tree selection; irrigation; and creation of landscape zones based on water needs. Can you (1) explain each of these strategies and (2) explain how irrigation plays a role, especially when most farmers' irrigation is limited because of city needs?

Q: What is the chance of survival that oak trees have if they are uprooted and transplanted to another location at or around the same elevation?

Q: What is the preferred method of controlling oak sprouts?

Q: Does a nursery specimen oak have the same viability and wind resistance as one grown from an acorn?

Q: There is an ancient oak in Ukiah that is showing its age (approximately 200-300 years old). Can it be removed and replaced with nursery specimens that will be as vital as this ancient one has been?

Q: How does a city care for an ancient oak?

Q: What tree densities reasonably constitute coast live oak woodland habitat (quercus agrifolia) and California black walnut (juglans californica) habitat?

Q: There are noticeable dead branches, increased mistletoe, and some rot in the center of an oak near the ground. Is there anything that can be done to help this tree stay healthy?

Q: What plants could be put under and around an Oak without harming the trees?

Q: There is a White Oak that began dying summer 2010 commensurate with a water /sewer line street rehab project. The street cutting occurred within 2 feet of the trunk over an area encompassing 1/2 of the drip line. The tree began dropping leaves in the summer of 2010 and lost limbs this summer. Now the bark is falling off. Could the construction have killed the tree?

Q: Is removing a Blue Oak stump (in order to thin the oak stand and to improve stand’s health) more efficient than spraying the stump to prevent resprouting. What is the feasibility of removing the entire stump due to root depth?

Q: A construction project requires the removal of about 10 blue oak trees. What is the likelihood of the survival of blue oak trees if they are to be transplanted rather than killed? What is the least expensive way to transplant the trees?

Q: An excavation of a piece of property containing three oak trees was to 6-8" deep and was done with a heavy bobcat so compression and amputation of the fine feeder roots has resulted. Is re-establishing the micronutrients by inoculation with compost, moisture and mulching a reasonable approach to restore the oak trees? Are there other things that could be done?

Q: What is the typical planting distance between valley oak trees and are there recommended resources or publications on planting distance of oak trees to avoid crowding?

Q: Are there any studies available regarding oaks in or around recreational facilities, and the best management practices for oak conservation and regeneration. Is there a possibility of field work by students regarding the health of the oaks within our public facility?

Q: What is the best way to protect newly planted oak trees other than using blue tubes? Is there a certain process that makes them grow faster?

Q: Is it safe to weed-wack the area under oak trees? What is the best way to get rid of the poison oak and not harm the oaks?

Q: In Orange County, if a coast live oak needs to be trimmed, what time of year is best for the health of the tree?

Q: In areas with oak trees and dense, unwanted poison oak, is there a way to eradicate the poison oak without chemicals or is there a chemical treatment that doesn't harm the oak trees?

Q: Where can one find information regarding the average oak density for the San Benito County foothills? In this area, there are about 120 mature oaks per acre, however only a 1/4 acre were sampled. In addition, at what DBH (diameter at breast height) or age does an oak reach maturity and is able to produce acorns?

Q: Is there a recommended minimum distance from foundations, sidewalks, and driveways for planting coast live oaks to maximize the root system and tree's health and minimize damage to the concrete?