Also serving the communities of De Luz, Rainbow, Camp Pendleton, Pala and Pauma

Woodsman, spare that tree!

FALLBROOK — Local organization Save Our Forest has an urgent message for area residents with trees that were damaged by the recent wildfire: No matter how burned they look, don’t cut them down or severely cut them back.

Fallbrook is known for its ancient oaks and sycamores. After wildfires, they can appear to be scorched beyond saving, but their natural defense systems will usually bring them back.

When a fire occurs during a dormant period for the trees – fall and winter – signs of recovery could be months away, in the spring, when new growth occurs naturally.

Local tree expert Roger Boddaert observes that “this type of fast-moving fire, driven by strong Santa Ana winds, tends to singe leaves and blacken the trunks of trees while causing no damage to the cambium tissue. They will usually come back.”

The oaks were more vulnerable to fire damage, adds Boddaert, because they were already stressed due to severe draught conditions but “are amazingly resilient trees.”

In the absence of forthcoming rains, oaks and other trees should be watered to simulate average winter rains. Water should be applied away from the trunks, under the canopies.

Oaks and sycamores are survivors, but so are many of the ornamental trees planted in this region. Therefore, those that have been damaged by fire should also be given a chance to recover rather than being cut down or pruned.

“See what spring brings,” encourages Boddaert.

Residents with questions regarding the preservation of fire-damaged trees can call the Fallbrook Land Conservancy at (760) 728-0889.

 

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