Oak Decline

Oak decline is a common problem in mature oaks across Virginia. It is a culmination of many different factors that contribute to the gradual decline and eventual death of older oak trees.


Additional Resources

ImageTitleIDDescriptionContent TypeViewhf:tax:document-categoryhf:tax:Media
Common Pests of Oaks in Virginia - Common Pests and Diseases of Oak Trees
Common Pests of Oaks in Virginia – Common Pests and Diseases of Oak TreesFT0059

Forestry topic information sheet discusses the most common pests and diseases affecting oak trees in Virginia.

Viewforest-healthpublication
Oak Decline in Virginia
Oak Decline in Virginia

This report provides an overview of oak decline and the factors that cause it.

Viewforest-healthpublication
Refining the Oak-Fire Hypothesis for Management of Oak-Dominated Forests of the Eastern United States
Refining the Oak-Fire Hypothesis for Management of Oak-Dominated Forests of the Eastern United StatesJAF 110(5)

For prescribed fires to be effective, they must positively influence oak regeneration at one or more critical life stages: pollination, flowering, seed set, germination, establishment, seedling development and release into the canopy.  The authors propose a refinement in our thinking to improve the match between management tools and objectives and provide some guidelines for thinking more ecologically about when and where to apply fire on the landscape to sustain oak-dominated forests. A very helpful key is provided on page 7 to help managers identify when fire will help managing the forest.

Viewfire-and-emergency-response forest-managementpublication

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