Oaks in the Urban Landscape

While the main focus of the IHRMP was to address oak and oak woodland conservation in wildlands, it became apparent right away that many people were also very interested in how to manage their oak trees in their backyards. We believe this reflected the fact that oaks are extremely important to many people (with majestic individual trees often evoking emotions of near reverence), as well as the recognition that historically, many oaks around homes have been inadvertently damaged or killed by mismanagement. People therefore wanted to make sure they knew how to maintain their oaks in as healthy a condition as possible.

One of the most popular IHRMP publications has been a glossy 8-page color brochure that, among other things, contains specific information about how to manage native California oaks in an urban setting. This publication (which has recently been revised and will be available online for free very soon) contains helpful tips about how to prevent damage to oak roots, where and when to irrigate around oaks, what plants are best to plant near oaks, and what to do if a tree has been damaged by fire. Click on the title (Living Among the Oaks) at the right to download this publication.

Another valuable resource regarding oaks has just been published. This is a book titled Oaks in the Urban Landscape: Selection, Care, and Preservation. It was written by UC Environmental Horticulture Advisor Larry Costello, CalFire Urban Forester Bruce Hagen, and Katherine Jones, the UC California Tree Failure Report Database Manager. It has eleven chapters and contains a wealth of specific information about keeping oak trees healthy and prosperous.

Finally, to the right are also listed several web sites where you can obtain additional information about taking care of your urban oaks.

New Book Available:

Oaks in the Urban Landscape: Selection, Care, and Preservation [Ordering Information]

Revised Version of Living Among the Oaks [FREE]

Sacramento Tree Foundation

California Oaks Foundation

CalFire Urban Forestry Program

US Forest Service Center for Urban Forest Research