In the annual forest health survey, Forest Health Highlights in Oregon for 2022, damage and mortality were observed on over 2.7 million acres. This marks a large increase compared to the 10-year average of 788,000 acres.
To address local inquiries about landowners' trees, in summer 2023 we held a 4-part Tree Health Webinar Series focused on the question, “Why are my trees dying?” We were joined by experts from the Oregon Department of Forestry, U.S. Forest Service, and OSU Extension to address current health issues impacting some of our common species, what it means for the trees, and what you can do.
While each webinar featured unique, species-specific information, there are common threads that you will find.
- In general, we are seeing that trees are facing stress from increasing temperatures coupled with persistent hot drought. These primary factors are increasing the susceptibility of trees to secondary factors, such as insect pests and pathogens, that would otherwise be unlikely to kill a healthy tree.
- As time progresses, we can expect to see continued dieback and range shifts in Oregon’s native tree species, although it doesn’t have to be all doom and gloom. There are actions that landowners can take like exploring more drought-tolerant species or assisted migration. Measures to decrease water competition can also be beneficial including invasive species control or reduced stocking.
Learn more and hear from the experts in the following webinar recordings. Each webinar featured 30 minutes of presentation followed by Q&A sessions with attendees. You will also find a link to the slideshow PDF and links to referenced resources.
These recordings from OSU Extension’s 2023 Tree Health Webinar Series were organized by the Clackamas County Forestry & Natural Resources program. Learn about upcoming events or subscribe to the Woodland Notes e-newsletter.
