Pope Tree Service News for San Diego

We removed the mistletoe and trimmed the trees.

“Pope tree service was very professional and courtious. Not only am I happy with their work, I also felt safe with them working around my house without my husband home. ”
Shawna H. (Valley Center)

Here are some photos of Pope Tree Service during a emergency removal of a large black locust limb that broke out over night and was leaning on the fence. The pics go in order of before during and after. All labor, tools, and equipment were donated by Pope Tree Service. This work was for the United Methodist Church on their property.

I HAVE BEE WORKING WITH POPE TREE SERVICE NOW FOR OVER 15 YEARS…AFTER DEALING WITH OTHER COMPANIES IN THE PAST I KNOW A TRUE PROFESSIONAL WHEN I SEE ONE..POPE TREE SERVICE HAS BEEN DOING ALL THE TREE WORK HERE AT SAN VICENTE GOLF CLUB…AS WE HAVE HUNDREDS OF COASTAL LIVE OAKS ON OUR PROPERTY CHRIS POPE IS BY FAR THE MOST WELL VERSED IN THE MAINTENANCE OF THESE STATELY GIANTS…HIS EXPERIENCE WITH THESE TREES IS UNSURPASSED AS HE LIVES AND WORKS AMONG THEM IN HIS HOME TOWN OF JULIAN. POPE TREE SERVICE IS PROFESSIONAL AND COURTEOUS TO ALL, AS THIS IS A VERY IMPORTANT WHEN WORKING AMONG THE HOMEOWNERS AND GOLF CLUB MEMBERS OF THE SAN DIEGO COUNTRY ESTATES.  I WOULD NOT HESITATE TO RECOMMEND POPE TREE SERVICE FOR ALL YOUR TREE SERVICE NEEDS.

PATRICK SHANNON

GOLF COURSE SUPERINTENDENT CLASS A GCSAA

Only half the size of a penny, but causing damages in the millions, the Goldspotted Oak Borer is making its way into Southern California. Since 2002, this tiny beetle has contributed to the mortality of more than 21,500 trees and the outbreak continues as the oak borer’s population grows and spreads. Trees most susceptible to this threat are the Coast Live Oak, California Black Oak, Canyon Live Oak, and the Silver Leaf Oak.

You may recognize a Goldspotted Oak Borer by its dark metallic green color with three characteristic yellow spots on each forewing. The larva is white and legless and reaches approximately 18 millimeters in length. First detected in San Diego County in 2004 by the Department of Food and Agriculture it is believed to have been introduced to the area by firewood. The Oak Borer kills trees when feeding larvae kill patches of cambium eventually causing tree death.

Symptoms of an infected tree are bore holes in the shape of a “D” and black staining around the tree as a result. Other visual signs of an infection can also be severe crown thinning the oak.

The loss of these trees is far more than a cosmetic issue. Large-scale deaths of the oaks will contribute to soil erosion problems, increased fuel for wildfires, and the loss of habitat for varied wildlife.

Though there are no official treatments from the ISA (International Society of Arboriculture), Pope Tree Service in conjunction with UC Irvine is on the forefront of proper diagnosis and treatment of the threat. Through systemics and special soil treatments, Pope Tree Service is proud to have successfully treated numerous cases for our clients and ultimately aiding in the eradication of the Goldspotted Oak Borer threat.

Resources:

UC Irvine
ISA