Preventing Conifer Root Disease
CONIFER TREE REMOVAL COULD EQUAL ROOT DISEASE
ANNOSUS ROOT DISEASE CAN EASILY BE PREVENTED
As trees are being taken down thru out the valley be aware that another environmental tragedy could result.
Annosus root disease enters though the stump surface. Infection results in decay of the tree roots. The disease spreads from tree to tree, through the root system, gradually enlarging centers of infection. The effects can be tree mortality, reduction of vegetative covers, creation of hazard trees, and loss of wildlife habitat. Once the disease is present in an area, trees will continue to die for years.
You can make a difference! All conifer stumps should be cut, to an even level surface, (no hinge) and treated with Sporax. As they are cut treatment should be applied to the stump. If the stumps aren't treated immediately, (the day they are cut), re-cut, with a level surface and treat. Sporax (sodium tetraborate decahydrate) is the currently registered treatment.
Information provided by: Laura D. Merrill, Ph.D., Entomologist, Forest Health Protection Southern California Shared Service area and The Forest Service Manual (FSM 2303-14,R5 Supplement 2300-92-1) and Forest Service Handbook (FSH 3409,11, R5 Supplement No.3409, 11-94-1) provide direction and guidance for the use of borate follow Label directions
Contact Forest Service personal or Forest Health Protection. 909-382-2727