Eden Valley Guest Ranch.

Tree Threats in Okanogan Highlands near Oroville and Tonasket, Washington

Eden Valley Guest Ranch manages timber and watches for threats to trees in the Okanogan Highlands near Oroville and Tonasket, Washington. Trees that are too close together are all threatened by many problems such as lack of water, insect infestations, root rot, wildfire and fungus.

All trees must have water.  In a drought year, no tree may have enough water if they are too close.  Insects may come from miles away.  Many fir stands in our region were attacked by insects in 2009 through 2011 that ate the new growth.

A tree's main defense against boring bugs is to be able to ooze pitch to push the problem out.  The bug gets stuck in the healthy pitch and it drys outside the tree.

Trees that are too close may not get enough water, but also do not get enough sunlight.  Space between the trees promotes not only healthy tree growth, but also other plants like shrubs, wildflowers, grass, ferns, and mosses that provide better habitat to the woodlands, animals, amphibians, insects and birds.