Sudden Oak Life by Lee Klinger

Monterey pines (Pinus radiata) are fast-growing trees that produce abundant large cones and seeds. They are, as might be expected, quite common in Monterey, CA and are endemic to our region, having been here since the Tertiary. Lately, however, Monterey pines, like the coast live oaks, are in decline, essentially victims of colonization which has led to a lack of healing fires. Both pitch pine canker disease and bark beetles are taking a heavy toll on the pines, as well as overcrowding of the forests.

While my focus is on tending oaks, I’ve found that many other fire-adapted native trees respond well to fire mimicry. Thus, I began tending this grove of Monterey pines three years ago using the same fire mimicry protocol I use on the oaks. Yesterday I checked on these trees and am happy to report that most are showing noticeable improvement in the density and lushness of their foliage. Also, they bear no signs of disease or insect pests.