Native Oaks Are a Valuable Resource
By Bob Mulvaney, Master Gardener
Native oaks are a vital and important component of the vegetation of California
and in particular the Central Coast. Oaks
grow in a wide variety of habitats and help provide a distinctive character to
our local landscape.
Not only are they beautiful to look at, but they also provide food and shelter
for many wildlife species. They
stabilize soil and help counteract the "greenhouse effect" by taking
up carbon dioxide and providing oxygen.
It is estimated that one or more species of oaks grow on over 20% of
Additionally, increased pressures from development, both residential and
agricultural, have caused a loss of many of these noble trees.
The above factors raise concerns about the long term fate of this species. The Native Tree Committee of the
The Master Gardener Program has joined the committee in a joint venture
to help regenerate Central Coast oaks.
We will soon be gathering acorns that will be propagated by students
from Shandon and
The
Additional materials are available about irrigation or construction near
existing oaks as well as companion planting under or around these venerable
trees.
If you would like to request one of these publications or if you have any
questions about oaks, please do not hesitate to contact us. We look forward to hearing from you.
Until then, Good Gardening!