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Sudden Oak Death (SOD)


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.
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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.

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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.”
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Sudden Oak Death (SOD) Overview

Sudden Oak Death (SOD) is a disease that infects and kills certain oak tree species. SOD has killed many trees in Vista Verde and the surrounding area and continues to spread. This article discusses SOD and how it can be prevented. The Vista Verde/Los Trancos Woods Sudden Oak Death (SOD) Task Force was formed to help minimize the effects of SOD in our neighborhood by educate homeowners and identifying best practices. The SOD Task Force is headed by Amanda Lee and has compiled the information below.

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