Sudden Oak Death (SOD) was first observed in trees along the north coast of California in 1995. Many Oaks were rapidly dying with no identifiable cause. It was not until 2000 that University of California researchers were able to isolate Phytophthora ramorum, a previously unidentified fungal-like pathogen, as the causal agent. Since then, many species of plants have been found to harbor P. ramorum, each with its own set of symptoms and levels of mortality. Associated hosts, which do not die of P. ramorum but may spread the disease, are also regulated. Please see the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) current list of regulated hosts and associated hosts.
Lake Country is currently listed as a Sudden Oak Death quarantine location due to a finding in the southwest portion of the county. As a result, the county is required to conduct monthly inspections at nurseries that ship plants out of the county.
If you suspect Sudden Oak Death, please call our office at 707-263-0217.