Tree Questions:

General Questions:

Oak Moth Questions



8/4/2000
 from:  john schleipman

At the end of May, we purchased a new tulip poplar tree from a local nursery and had them plant it.  It is a larger tree (compared to the smaller trees that we had planted ourselves).  Throughout the summer, we noticed that many of the leaves would turn yellow and fall off the tree. The tree would still continue to grow new leaves.  Now, however, all of theleaves recently turned yellow and have fallen off the tree.  All thatis left are new buds trying to form.  We have been careful with wateringthe tree (not too much or too little).  When we peel away part ofthe bark, the tree shows green.  We  have also checked the soiland found it to be moist.  Are we losing our tree or is it too stressedfrom our clay soil and hot St. Louis summer?  Thank you.

response:
 

It sounds like your tree is in bad shape but is not dead.  I'd move it
to a different location. Tulips like moist conditions with deep soil.
It may not grow in a clay. I'd compare your site with other successful
sites locally.  See you inSaint Louis.

Thanks for the question.
 

Tom Gaman

Sept. 2002

Oak Moth

Hello Mr. Gaman,

I found your e-mail on your forestdata site, which is very great.  I'm simply a concerned resident of Carmel Valley, CA.  About 3 mile east on Carmel Valley Road from highway one, the oaks on the north side of the road look horrible for a stretch of 2 - 3 miles.  These are not sporatic, tired trees that can be seen during dry years, but really sick, broad stretches of trees.  Today, while stopping on the way home, I found that there are 'millions' of inch-long, bulbous headed, and dark bodied caterpillars eating the leaves away.  Do you have any insite?

If this is a native, oak moth, then I understand to not be really worried about the natural cycle, but thought I'd drop a note in any case..

Thanks in advance,
-Andy Case
Carmel Valley, CA

Response:

Dear Andy.

Sounds like the oak moth to me.   Read up on it at the following website

http://www.r5.fs.fed.us/fpm/fh_94-95/prov261.htm

Thanks for the question.

Tom Gaman


Another concern about the Oak Moth (from Cambria, California)...

9/10/2002

Thanks for the info regarding those pesky moths.  Not only did they attack our tree out front once a couple of months ago but they pupated, hatched in just a few days and attacked again.  Right now they're migrating to their pupating areas on walls to go through it all over again.  Our tree however is already nude.  Is there a chance that they'll attack again this season?  I've noticed on my walks here in Cambria that at's happening all over.  At least I know now that I can try a few things. 

Thanks again, Pat Hamilton 


Response:

It looks like you also have the oak moth.  Check the link above

Tom