My husband and I were struck by the state of junipers north of I-40. We'll take a closer look next time we're in the area and try to tie it it with what you described. Thank you for the detailed information!
During the past few years of drought we have seen some die off of Pinus edulis and Juniperus osteosperma but not nearly at the percentage you have observed. Usually the ones which die are on the edges of the established stands. I live on the Colorado plateau in south centra Utah.
Great video that graphically illustrates the problem. Seems like it gets back to those Master Abiotic Factors. Without the water, things won't grow. Too much heat drives off ever more of whatever water is available and, as explained by Dr. Floyd-Hanna in the case of the pinion pine, causes it to shut down its photosynthesis. It's not so much the fact of the change. It's the rate of that change that is the bugaboo.
I've been struck lately also at the number of junipers in my area (Williamson Valley, largely Utah Juniper) appear to be dying. Thanks for this timely and informative program, Lisa and Bob! Where can we post our observations of these changes, by the way?
Jed, Thanks for the question. Dr. Floyd-Hanna will be giving a talk on this topic at the Natural History Institute on 08 Feburary, 2022. We will livestream the talk or if you are in Prescott you could come watch it live.
Hi -is there a specific cause that can been determined? Drought, soil degradation, bugs...all the above ? As side note in Maricopa county notice lots of sickly looking Saguaro's. Know of programs here= that are checking on those. So keep up the good works!
Ed - Thanks for the comment. Most of the researchers looking at the juniper die off are citing drought as the cause. Several research projects are looking at this. BE
Thanks very much for this particular program on juniper, pinon, and oak dying. Please add manzanita to the list. I walk in pioneer park frequently and am seeing isolated junipers suddenly turn brown.
Thanks for explaining why junipers & scrub oaks are brown. At Highlands Center, some pinions look unhealthy and I concur with Mary's comment about manzanitas. Your zoom in to Thumb Butte did not allow time for viewers to see the location at the end. Also, what is the purpose of showing the plant guide -- it was not shown long enough to read and I do not see your purpose. Otherwise, great video.
Amazingly useful information to help us all understand what we are seeing in the environment. Thanks you !
My husband and I were struck by the state of junipers north of I-40. We'll take a closer look next time we're in the area and try to tie it it with what you described. Thank you for the detailed information!
I watch a lot of pinyon videos and this is one of the best
Thank you!
During the past few years of drought we have seen some die off of Pinus edulis and Juniperus osteosperma but not nearly at the percentage you have observed. Usually the ones which die are on the edges of the established stands. I live on the Colorado plateau in south centra Utah.
Great video that graphically illustrates the problem. Seems like it gets back to those Master Abiotic Factors. Without the water, things won't grow. Too much heat drives off ever more of whatever water is available and, as explained by Dr. Floyd-Hanna in the case of the pinion pine, causes it to shut down its photosynthesis. It's not so much the fact of the change. It's the rate of that change that is the bugaboo.
I've been struck lately also at the number of junipers in my area (Williamson Valley, largely Utah Juniper) appear to be dying. Thanks for this timely and informative program, Lisa and Bob! Where can we post our observations of these changes, by the way?
Becky, Thanks for your comment. This is as good place for the time being. We are going to see if we can develop a more formal process. BE
Curious if you have any updates on these die-offs. Thank you for your research in this region.
Jed,
Thanks for the question. Dr. Floyd-Hanna will be giving a talk on this topic at the Natural History Institute on 08 Feburary, 2022. We will livestream the talk or if you are in Prescott you could come watch it live.
Hi -is there a specific cause that can been determined? Drought, soil degradation, bugs...all the above ? As side note in Maricopa county notice lots of sickly looking Saguaro's. Know of programs here= that are checking on those. So keep up the good works!
Ed - Thanks for the comment. Most of the researchers looking at the juniper die off are citing drought as the cause. Several research projects are looking at this. BE
There are entire hillsides of dead oak on the Jerome side of Mingus Mtn
Greg, Troubling. Thanks for the comment. BE
Thanks very much for this particular program on juniper, pinon, and oak dying. Please add manzanita to the list. I walk in pioneer park frequently and am seeing isolated junipers suddenly turn brown.
Thanks for explaining why junipers & scrub oaks are brown. At Highlands Center, some pinions look unhealthy and I concur with Mary's comment about manzanitas. Your zoom in to Thumb Butte did not allow time for viewers to see the location at the end. Also, what is the purpose of showing the plant guide -- it was not shown long enough to read and I do not see your purpose. Otherwise, great video.
Fred, Thanks for the comments. I've noticed some pinyons that don't look so good, too. You can pause the video if you want to study something. BE