The coast live oak is an important part of both the wild and urban landscape through most of coastal California. When these beloved trees are defoliated by our native oakworm it can be a dramatic sight for the home owners. A healthy oak can withstand defoliation, but unhealthy trees can lose limbs or become susceptible to other more serious issues under the added stress from this caterpillar attack. It’s important to speak with your Arborist to determine the health of your trees, especially if they are near structures or commonly used outdoor areas like picnic tables or play sets.
The frequency of infestation is highly irregular, but we often find that after a heavy outbreak the tree will be free of caterpillars for several years. It’s important to remember that the oakworm is a native pest and plays a role in the local ecosystem by feeding a host of birds and insects. The role of oakworm in our environment should be considered before treatment is performed on any individual trees. Sometime we can treat important trees over patio and outdoor recreation areas and leave more remote trees to follow the normal pattern of defoliation and regrowth. This helps the homewner enjoy their outdoor spaces without significant impact on the local ecosystem.
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