Nebraska’s “Old Wolf Oak” tree, a burr oak that is more than 380 years old, has died after a long drought. (Courtesy of Nebraska Game and Parks Commission)
LINCOLN — One of Nebraska’s oldest trees has died, and officials are blaming drought conditions.
The “Old Wolf Oak,” a burr oak with a 9.8-foot circumference located along a hiking trail at Ponca State Park, was estimated to be more than 380 years old.
The tree was a popular stop for park visitors, given that it was 223 years old when Nebraska became a state in 1867 and was a silent witness to the Lewis & Clark Expedition of 1804-06.
But Nebraska Game and Parks Commission officials say drought conditions in eastern Nebraska have created large areas of dead or declining mature trees, including the stately oak.
The past two years have seen extreme drought across Nebraska, officials said. While native species like the bur oak are drought-tolerant, prolonged drought causes dieback in the canopy and root systems, weakening tree defenses.
This creates an opening for pests and pathogens, officials said, and makes a tree more vulnerable to infection.
Game and Parks staff had been monitoring and, where possible, treating bur oaks for bur oak blight, which can weaken a tree. Officials also identified a new threat to trees, hypoxylon canker, a fungus that invades the vascular systems of drought-stricken trees and dooms a tree.
The old oak will soon be cut down under a response plan developed after consulting with experts, Game and Parks announced. Infected material must be destroyed on-site, officials said, to avoid stressing the surrounding healthy trees.
A sign at the Wolf Oak, erected in 1964, states that it “began its life in 1644.” But more modern dating techniques later added another half century to its age.
Ironically, it was not a state champion tree in its category. A registry kept by the Nebraska Forest Service lists a burr oak with a circumference of 18.7 feet near Peru as the state champion.
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The Old Wolf Oak’s Demise: A Stark Warning About Drought adn Nebraska’s Trees
Keywords: Old Wolf Oak, Nebraska drought, tree death, burr oak, climate change, tree care, Ponca State Park, tree diseases, hypoxylon canker, bur oak blight
The “Old Wolf Oak,” a majestic burr oak in Ponca State Park estimated to be over 380 years old, has succumbed to the prolonged drought plaguing eastern Nebraska. Its death serves as a potent reminder of the vulnerability of even drought-tolerant species in the face of increasingly extreme weather patterns. We spoke with Dr. Evelyn Reed, a renowned arboricultural expert specializing in oak tree health, to understand the implications of this loss and what preventative measures can be taken to protect Nebraska’s remaining trees.
Time.news: dr.reed, thank you for joining us. The death of the old Wolf oak is certainly somber news. Can you explain why even a drought-tolerant tree like a burr oak couldn’t survive in this situation?
Dr. Evelyn Reed: Absolutely. Burr oaks are incredibly resilient, adapted to drier climates. However,the key word here is “prolonged.” These last two years have been notably harsh for Nebraska, experiencing extreme drought conditions.While burr oaks can withstand periods of dryness, sustained drought weakens them significantly. Think of it like constantly running on empty. The tree eventually depletes its reserves, leading to canopy dieback and compromised root systems.
Time.news: The article mentions that the weakened state made the Old Wolf Oak susceptible to pests and pathogens. Can you elaborate on that?
Dr. Evelyn Reed: A healthy tree has its own defense mechanisms – a strong immune system,if you will. But when a tree is stressed by drought, those defenses are weakened. This creates an opening for opportunistic pests and diseases. The article specifically mentions bur oak blight and hypoxylon canker. Bur oak blight can weaken a tree, making it more vulnerable to other issues. Hypoxylon canker, a particularly concerning fungal disease, thrives in drought-stressed trees. It invades the vascular system, disrupting the flow of water and nutrients, essentially sealing the tree’s fate. It’s a devastating one-two punch.
Time.news: it’s described as a new threat in the article. Is hypoxylon canker becoming more prevalent due to climate change and increased drought frequency?
Dr. Evelyn Reed: Sadly, yes. Hypoxylon canker is not entirely new, but we’re seeing it become increasingly common, and more aggressive, in regions experiencing more frequent and intense droughts. The changing climate is definitely a factor, pushing tree populations beyond their ability to adapt. The rise in temperatures also affects insect populations and their life cycles which can also impact our trees.
Time.news: The nebraska Game and parks Commission will be cutting down the Old Wolf oak and destroying the infected material on-site. Why is that the recommended course of action?
Dr. Evelyn Reed: This is a preventative measure to protect surrounding trees. Both bur oak blight and hypoxylon canker can spread. By destroying the infected material on-site, you’re minimizing the risk of the diseases spreading to other vulnerable trees in the area. It is akin to containing a disease outbreak in humans. If a drought-stricken area has an infected tree it’s a hotzone of potential danger for other trees.
Time.news: What can homeowners and communities do to help protect Nebraska’s trees from similar fates? Are there any preventative measures that can be taken?
Dr. Evelyn Reed: Absolutely. There are several steps we can take:
Water deeply and infrequently during dry periods: Instead of shallow, daily watering, soak the soil thoroughly every couple of weeks. this encourages deep root growth, making trees more resilient.
Mulch around the base of trees: Mulch helps retain moisture in the soil, regulates soil temperature, and suppresses weed growth.
Monitor trees for signs of stress and disease: Look for leaf discoloration, branch dieback, unusual growth patterns, and signs of pests. Early detection is crucial.
Consult with a certified arborist: A professional can assess the health of yoru trees and recommend appropriate treatments, including fertilization and pest control if necessary.
Choose the right tree for the location: Planting drought-tolerant species suited to the local climate is essential.
Support sustainable forestry practices: Promoting healthy forests helps to mitigate climate change and provide essential resources for our trees.
Time.news: Is there anything else you would like to add?
Dr. Evelyn Reed: The death of the Old Wolf oak is a loss, but it’s also a call to action. We need to be more proactive in protecting our trees. They are vital to our environment,our economy,and our well-being. By implementing these preventative measures, we can help ensure that future generations will be able to enjoy the beauty and benefits of Nebraska’s trees.We must take care of our trees, like they take care of us.
