A New Protocol in the Fight Against Oak Wilt
The current protocol related to oak wilt mitigation has proven to be a failure. This protocol is that after the oak wilt has devastated a community, the POA gets involved and starts enforcing rules. These rules may be requesting homeowners to remove effected trees or perform tree trimming and maintenance. In reality, by the time it reaches this level, the damage is already done, and this protocol doesn’t stop spread and further certain death and devastation.
Natural Habitat Preservation
Some people in the Texas Hill Country view cedar trees as an invasive species. In fact, this is a myth. The current trend is to get rid of most or all of the cedars because of this myth. The truth is removing cedars in many cases disrupts the natural soil zone made up of minerals, nutrients, roots, hyphae, decomposition and water. Excess removal of cedars can disrupt this natural eco grid in the soil zone which can result in a drought stress due to a deficient intake of water and nutrients from the damaged soil zone.
Oak Wilt in the Canyon Lake Area (Article 3)
There is a difference between living under the threat of oak wilt verses co-existing with oak wilt without threat. To understand this statement, you must first realize that oak wilt has become part of the Hill Country eco system. Over 65 counties in Texas have been impacted by oak wilt with trees dying at epidemic proportions. In Comal County, there are currently 10 plus known active oak wilt hot spots and three of those are in Canyon Lake.
Oak Wilt in the Canyon Lake Area (Article 2)
The current protocol used by Texas A&M Forest Service, arborists and tree contractors is to mitigate oak wilt in its later stages of development, after it has already spread and killed trees. At this later-stage development, oak wilt mitigation efforts are very limited in scope and strategy which has led to mitigation failures.
Oak Wilt in the Canyon Lake Area (Article 1)
Oak wilt is a debilitating disease that is killing millions of trees in Central, North and West Texas. The disease is caused by a fungus called Ceratocystis Fagacearum and affects both live and red oaks (Spanish oak, Blackjack oak and Shumard oak). Although red oaks are more susceptible to oak wilt, live oaks have interconnected root systems which cause massive spreading to adjacent trees. Oak wilt triggers the tree to release tissue as a defense mechanism to fight the disease. The tissue in turn, dams up the vascular system and disables the trees’ ability to take in water and causes certain death.
Combatting Extreme Drought Stress on top of Seasonal Stressors
We're far enough into the new season of spring growth, following the February freeze, to glimpse some of the potential damage caused by the freeze stress. Many oak trees in our area are producing hardly any buds and are highly infested by ball moss, along with an unhealthy growth pattern characterized by a dominant spot and branch overpopulation.
Oak Tree Stressors
Healthy oak trees are considered an asset to your property. It is important to make sure your oak trees are properly maintained, trimmed and kept healthy. It is also important to understand that oak trees can succumb to several stressors that can potentially lead oak decline and even death.