Oak Regeneration

One of the primary reasons the Integrated Hardwood Range Management Program was initially established was the widespread concern that some native California oaks were not regenerating adequately. Three California oak species (blue oak, valley oak and Engelmann oak) have been repeatedly identified as species that have inadequate regeneration to maintain current stand densities. As a result of this concern, the IHRMP and others within and outside the University have done considerable research during the past 25 years on where and why oak regeneration is problematic and how to successfully artificially regenerate oaks. In addition, the IHRMP and the Oak Woodland Conservation Workgroup have hosted numerous trainings where the latest information on oak regeneration has been disseminated. Below are links to several publications on oak regeneration including “Regenerating rangeland oaks in California”, a comprehensive publication that provides recommended techniques for successfully regenerating native California oaks.

Regenerating Rangeland Oaks in California [FREE]

How to Grow California Oaks [FREE]

UC Delivers Stories

For a century, there has been concern in California that several species of native oaks are not regenerating adequately. Poor regeneration not only threatens the oak forests themselves, but also the wildlife that use oak resources. It could also impact recreation, water quality and quantity, the state's visual landscape and lead to the spread of noxious weeds.

Read about: UC develops information to help establish native oaks

For nearly 100 years, there has been concern that several native California oak species are not regenerating adequately to sustain populations. Inadequate regeneration could adversly affect woodlands, resulting in conversions to shrub fields or bare pastures. A principal factor believed to significantly contribute to poor oak regeneration in California is livestock grazing. Since approximately 80% of California's oak woodlands are privately owned and the principal activity on many of these lands is livestock grazing, it is vital to understand how oaks can be regenerated in the presence of livestock. Such information will help ensure that our oak woodlands remain healthy and productive.

Read about: Oak Seedlings Can Be Established on Grazed Rangelands

Blue oak is a native California species that is regenerating poorly in portions of its range. Although successful techniques to artificially regenerate blue oak have been developed, they are costly, complicating restoration efforts. Use of volunteer seedlings, the subject of this study, could potentially be more cost-efficient and would guarantee that only local, well-adapted seedlings are used.

Read about: Enhancing natural blue oak regeneration

Listen to a Webinar

All webinar segments were taped for the Oak Webinar Series hosted by UCCE Forest Specialists and Advisors in collaboration with University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources Division.

Regeneration and Restoration of Oaks. Presented by Douglas McCreary, UC Berkeley