Risk Assessment

Economic Impact Potential

The potential economic impact of this disease is currently considered “high.” This disease has a demonstrable ability to kill healthy mature trees of at least four Quercus and Lithocarpus species. Given the commercial hardwood value of certain Quercus, Lithocarpus, and Castanea species, economic losses could be very high, especially if related species prove susceptible. Long term reduction in hardwood timber production may result if this disease proves unmanageable. Fuel loading in urban:wildland interfaces could result in high fire prevention costs in areas where these species represent a major component of the forest mix. Hazard tree losses in urban landscapes could also be significant. Impacts to the nursery and landscaping industry may also prove significant. Decreased property value is also possible (5).

Ecological Impact Potential

The potential ecological impact of this disease is currently considered “high.” Quercus species are often a major component of hardwood forests and play an important ecological role as food and habitat for wildlife. They also provided soil stabilization in watersheds and contribute to ecosystem biodiversity. High losses of trees may result in changes in forest composition, loss of wildlife food and habitat, increased soil erosion, increased fuel loading, and exotic species invasion (5).

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Last Modified: 11/19/2007