We live in Oakland, after all.  The Oaks are a symbol of our area, and one of the true natives surviving in Montclair and the hills.

We could end up losing these natives, according to a trained botanist who lives in town.  It turns out that many Oaks are stressed and need a bit of calcium to stay healthy.  To get started, here’s the preventative treatment for trees on your property.

What are we preventing?

Sudden Oak Death, which can strike when a fungus (p. ramorum) runs amuck.  Threats come from ecosystem problems including a “loss of food sources for wildlife, a change in fire frequency or intensity, and decreased water quality due to an increase in exposed soil surfaces.”

Yes, there’s a threat from fire changes.  When Oaks live in a natural environment, they are able to control this fungus due to fires.  The ashes then become a source of phosphorus and calcium. Yet we live in a place where fire suppression is a top priority.

How can you help?

There are several ways to make a difference, by monitoring nearby oaks and identifying if they have problems.  If you are lucky enough to have oaks on your own property, consider feeding them a bit of calcium.  Also make sure their root systems aren’t disrupted or upset by nearby construction.

Take the time to read through “more info” below, since UC Berkeley has incredible resources devoted to Sudden Oak Death.  It hasn’t hit our area yet, but it can be devastating and quickly wipe us out.  Marin has suffered already, and we can learn from experience.

More info:   Homeowner’s Guide – Treatment Video – Oak Mortality Task Force – Alameda Specialists