Bark beetles, family Scolytidae, are common pests of conifers and some attack broadleaf trees. Several hundred species occur in the United States. The most common species infesting pines in California are the western pine beetle (Dendroctonus brevicomis), engraver beetles (Ips spp.), and the red turpentine beetle (Dendroctonus valens). Cedar and cypress bark beetles (Phloeosinus spp.) attack arborvitae, Chamaecyparis, cypress, and redwoods. Oak ambrosia beetles (Monarthrum spp.) and oak bark beetles (Pseudopityophthorus spp.) attack oaks and certain other broadleaves including California buckeye and tanbark oak. Shothole borer(Scolytus rugulosus) attacks damaged trunks of many broadleaved tree species, including English laurel, fruit trees, and hawthorn. The European elm bark beetle (Scolytus multistriatus) feeds only on elms and vectors the Dutch elm disease fungus. Other common wood-boring pests in landscapes include clearwing moths (family Sesiidae) (for more information, see Pest Notes: Clearwing Moths, listed in Suggested Reading), longhorned borers (Cerambycidae), and roundheaded borers (Buprestidae).

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

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