Dying Trees

Answers About the Increased Mortality Rate of Trees

Gail,

I agree with Sidd that there are many things (mostly human induced) changing our climate.

The trees are of particular interest to me. I first called the EPA and arborists in 2003, as I could see the canopy reducing by about 20 feet over a three year period. The trend has continued to this day.

It wasn't until 2008 that I became convinced the phenomena was the result of Tropospheric Ozone.

You asked: "I've been reading the links about ozone on your site and it is positively terrifying, especially considering annual crops cannot tolerate it either. Is ozone a localized effect or more or less even world-wide?"
The problem exists in many parts of the world; however, it is not even. There are many factors that determine the severity of the problem including: altitude, auto emissions, temperature and direction of the sun.

You asked: "Why is it so sudden, that after slow but steady decline for decades in the last year, that a mass plunge has taken effect at least here in New Jersey?"
It isn't necessarily sudden. Because the death of a tree happens gradually in spots of a tree and takes several years to kill the entire tree, most people do not notice it. Much to my dismay, the general population does not seem to appreciate the severity of the problem.

You asked: "Who are you guys and where are you located?"
We are just a group of interested citizens trying to report on the world around us. Sidd is a scientist in Ohio. I am a writer and publisher in Pennsylvania.

This summer more people in my area are taking notice. The signs are usually a patch of leaves in a tree turn autumn colors before the fall season. The leaves then turn brown often not falling off the branch. Eventually, the leaves fall off and never return. This condition spreads over the tree for the next several years until the entire tree is dead. You may also notice it happening to pine trees. Usually, the needles will turn yellow and then brown. They fall off never to return.

Depending on the time of year and how the sun travels across the sky, you may be able to see patterns of death in a group of trees. Sometimes you can easily spot holes through a group of trees or see branches sticking out of the top of the canopy where leaves use to be.

Since the process appears irreversible, we are hoping to raise public awareness before it is too late. Thank you for your concern.

Sincerely,
Daniel