Gall Wasps are a diverse species of insect that attack differnt species of oak. Including Coast Live Oak, Engleman Oaks, Valley Oaks, Southern Live Oak and Cork Oaks. These are common oaks that are planted in urban landscapes in Southern California. There are about 140 differnt species of cynipid wasp that form galls. The damage from these insects are on the twigs, leaves acorns and occasionally petioles. Not all galls on trees are caused by gall wasps. Most species of gall wasps. The same species of gall wasp can produce galls that differ in appear at different stages of there development. | Oak Apples on an Engleman Oak | | The first stage of development can be formed on the Catkins, then a second stage may develop on a more permanent part of the plant like a leaf or a twig. The galls can stay attached for several years after the gall wasps are not active. Other insects may infect these old galls like the filibert weevil. Most of the life cycle of a gall wasp is spent inside the gall. The adult stage is responsible for laying eggs and increasing the insect population. |  | | | Whoolly Bear Gall Wasp |
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Mitchell Pest Control uses the safest and most effective insecticides and fungicides. People can re-enter area within a few hours after application or until the application area is dry. We request that you keep any pets inside during this time. Windows should be closed and the job site should be free of workers outside. Applications can be scheduled to avoid any spraying the day your gardener is working. Spraying for Sycamore Scale 
Spraying a Ficus Hedge for Cuban Laurel Thrips  |
|  The Coast Live Oak-(Quercus agrifolia) is a spectacular heritage tree that is protected in many cities in Southern California. It can tolerate heavy clay soil, but in urban setting it perfers well drained soil due to urban irrigation systems. Coast Live Oak trees are fast growing when young then slow down with age. They are long lived trees that can live over 300 years old. 35-45ft in height and with a spread that can go to 80ft. Coast Live Oaks are an exelent shade tree but do require space. When grown in an open setting, Quercus agrifolia's limbs will grow laterally all the way the the ground. In urban setting the canopies are usually lifted up to avoid objects like walls, pedestrians, and buildings.
Coast Live Oak Propagation Coast Live Oaks drop their acorns in the fall and are viable when they are brown and shiny. This is the best time to plant the acorns in a one gallon can. The acorn needs to only be barried half way to prevent rotting. This is a great project for children. Then place the containers in a semi shaded area and watch them grow. Once the trees are a couple of feet high it can be moved into full sun. Coast Live Oak Acorns 
Pruning Coast Live Oaks Coast Live Oak trees need little pruning in naural setting, but in urban setting the will need to be pruned. They should never be heavily pruned and when pruning is needed it should be done in the summer time. Fall pruning is not recomended. Coast Live Oak Foliage 
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