Skip to content

Home & Garden


Applying Agri-Fos

Agri-Fos is phosphate compound formulated to stimulate growth in trees. Research has shown that about 80% of trees respond well to treatment, meaning that their defenses are stronger. Applications should be made when the tree is actively transpiring. Avoid treating trees during very hot or very cold weather.  Also, avoid applying the compound when deciduous oaks have lost their leaves or when new leaves are emerging in the spring.
Read More »Applying Agri-Fos

Oakworm Infestation

Although the oakworm devastation is alarming looking, it is not an alarming situation for the oaks. “Defoliation seldom, if ever, kills affected trees“ according to the USDA publication, “A Field Guide to Insects and Pathogens of California Oaks” www.phytosphere.com/publications/Fieldguide.htm (an excellent resource!).  Copied below are pages 14 & 15 describing California oakworm/oakmoth. The “Importance” paragraph is moved to the fore. Note also that oakworm infestation is unrelated to Sudden Oak Death (SOD).
Read More »Oakworm Infestation

Pentra-Bark Toxicity

From Dr. Matteo Garbelotto, Forest Pathologist and Mycologist, UC Berkeley October 20, 2007

The assumption (in Dr. Cindy Russell’s email below) is that massive spraying will occur, which is not the case.  Treatments are focused on individual trees and the bark applications are not broadcasted but basically carefully applied on individual trees.

Fueling a car is a lot more dangerous than an appropriate application of Pentrabark from an environmental perspective.  Because the product sticks on the target surface, it is extremely difficult for it to get into the environment.

The email I was sent takes the treatments out of context, however we will dedicate an equal amount of time to injections that do not require Pentrabark.

Read More »Pentra-Bark Toxicity

Bay Laurel and Oak Disposal

By Amanda Lee

Once SOD-infested oaks, bay laurels, and other trees are taken down, that material is still capable of infecting living trees. Recommendations for disposal of SOD-infested material found on www.suddenoakdeath.org website from the “Homeowner’s Guide” (http://nature.berkeley.edu/comtf/pdf/HomeownersGuide6-07.pdf ) are:  “In infested areas where burning is not possible, the best option is to leave infested material on site, chipping the small material (for use as ground cover) and using larger pieces for firewood. Composting can also successfully kill the pathogen, but the compost must reach temperatures that are probably not possible or practical in a home composting site. Since inoculum levels are already thought to be high in an infested site, leaving the additional inoculum from the infested plant material on site will not significantly worsen the local disease conditions.”
Read More »Bay Laurel and Oak Disposal

Vista Verde Landscaping

Most Vista Verde residents moved to this area because they love the beauty of the native plants and enjoy the opportunity to see wild birds and animals nearby. This landscape guide, contributed by Yvonne Price, provides direction in planting with suitable natives and other plants that lend themselves naturally to this area. Appropriate landscaping helps avoid conflicts with Vista Verde’s natural surroundings while enhancing the beauty and maintaining the character of this area.

Read More »Vista Verde Landscaping