David C. Shaw

Extension Forest Health Specialist , Professor in Forest Engineering, Resources, and Management , Director, Swiss Needle Cast Cooperative

541-737-2845
[email protected]

Expertise: Insects , Invasive species , Plant diseases

Department/Unit: Forest Engineering Resources and Management

Content by David C. Shaw

What is this fungus and could it indicate internal decay in my Douglas-fir?

Q: A large fungus is growing at the base of a large Douglas-fir tree in my backyard. There are several fungi that can cause root rot in Douglas-fir, so I don't want to lose the tree, and I also don't want it to fall ...

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Is my maple firewood safe to burn?

Q: I’m ready to burn the wood in my woodstove and expected it would still be on the green side. However, its color has changed and seems as though it could be diseased. Is it safe to burn? If not, can it be turned into compost?

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Tree Health Webinar Series: Why Are My Trees Dying?

As more trees die each year, these 30-minute webinars address current health issues impacting some of our common species, what it means for the trees, and what you can do.

Glenn Ahrens, Sarah Cameron, David C. Shaw, Christine Buhl, Laura Lowrey | Aug 2023 | Collection

Tree Health Webinar Series: Douglas-fir

As part of the Tree Health Webinar Series, Dave Shaw discusses the forest health outlook for Douglas-fir, future projections in Oregon, and actions that landowners and managers can take for their trees.

Glenn Ahrens, David C. Shaw | Aug 2023 | Video

Should we treat ash trees for emerald ash borer?

Q: I just read about the emerald ash borer (EAB) appearing in Oregon. We have two large very nice ash trees that we don't want to cut down, no signs of infestation at this time. Would you recommend we go ahead and treat these with the pesticide injection that treats for the borer, just in case?

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Alternatives to Ash in Western Oregon: With a Critical Tree Under Threat, These Options Can Help Fill Habitat Niche

Oregon ash thrives in many areas of western Oregon, from floodplains to foothills. But this key tree is threatened by the spread of an invasive beetle known as the emerald ash borer, which kills ash. This ...

George Kral, David C. Shaw | Mar 2023 | Extension Catalog publication Peer reviewed (Orange level)

True fir and Douglas-fir mortality in Oregon

Lack of fire has profoundly changed forest structure across the region, significantly increasing true fir occurrence and density. The recent drought and bark beetles have led to a large mortality event.

David C. Shaw | Jan 2023 | Article

Oregon Ash: Insects, Pathogens and Tree Health

Oregon ash grows along the streams and wetlands of western Oregon and Northern California, where it provides important wildlife habitat. But these trees are threatened by the emerald ash borer, an insect pest that...

David C. Shaw, Jay W. Pscheidt, Alexander Gorman | Jan 2023 | Extension Catalog publication Peer reviewed (Orange level)

Managing Insects and Diseases of Oregon Conifers

Discusses options for managing major insect pests and diseases of conifers in Oregon forests: bark beetles, wood borers, and ambrosia beetles; defoliators; aphids, adelgids, and scale insects; terminal and branch ...

Paul T. Oester, David C. Shaw, Gregory M. Filip | Jan 2023 | Extension Catalog publication Peer reviewed (Orange level)

Episode 24: Swiss Needle Cast

In this episode, Jacob Putney invites Dave Shaw and Gabriela Ritokova on the podcast to discuss Swiss Needle Cast's impact on Douglas fir populations. Dave Shaw is an OSU extension forest health specialist and Gabriela Ritokova is an ODF forest pathologist.

Jacob Putney, David C. Shaw, Gabriela Ritokova | Aug 2022 | Podcast episode

How should our community respond to emerald ash borer?

Q: I am chair of our city tree commission, and have a couple of questions about emerald ash borer (EAB). We have many planted ash trees in city parks and on rights-of-way, although the tree is now on the list of prohibited...

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Are traps available to monitor and check for emerald ash borers?

Q: Can I use traps to capture and minimize the damage done by emerald ash borers if my ash trees become infected?

A: View answer | View all featured questions

Recognizing ash trees in Oregon, Washington and Northern California

How to identify our native and common landscaping ash trees, including look-alikes. All ash trees are susceptible to emerald ash borer, an invasive pest first sighted in Oregon in June 2022.

David C. Shaw | Jul 2022 | Educational gallery Peer reviewed (Gray level)

What do I do if I suspect an emerald ash borer infestation?

Q: We have at least one ash tree that is showing top dieback. What should we do to try to confirm whether or not we have the beetle?

A: View answer | View all featured questions

Silvicultural Decision Guide for Swiss Needle Cast in Coastal Oregon and Washington

Swiss needle cast is a significant disease for Douglas-fir trees in the coastal Pacific Northwest. The disease turns foliage yellow, reduces needle retention, thins crowns and reduces tree growth. Options for forest ...

Gabriela Ritóková, David C. Shaw, Doug Mainwaring | May 2022 | Extension Catalog publication Peer reviewed (Orange level)

Episode 4: Forest Health

In this episode, Jacob Putney is joined by Oregon State University Extension Forest Health Specialist, Dave Shaw. They discuss a wide variety of forest health topics such as drought, insects, and disease, and the influences these agents have on individual tree and forest growth.

Jacob Putney, David C. Shaw | Mar 2022 | Podcast episode

Preventing Phytophthora Infestations in Restoration Nurseries

Phytophthora species are water molds that can kill plants. They can spread undetected in container plants and equipment. Once they are introduced to an ecosystem, it's difficult or impossible to eradicate them. ...

Norma Kline, Marianne Elliott, Jennifer Parke, Dan Stark, David C. Shaw, Alicia Christiansen | Jan 2022 | Extension Catalog publication Peer reviewed (Orange level)

Ponderosa pines with strange branch formation?

Q: About 1 in 3,000 of the Ponderosa pines in Shevlin Park (Bend, OR) have one or more bizarre branches (see photo). The branches emerge from the tree trunk about 6 to 15 feet from the ground, and have a large diameter. ...

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Stop the Spread of Sudden Oak Death

Alerts people who visit, live, or work in certain areas of Oregon and California about a serious plant disease called Sudden Oak Death, and asks them to take steps to prevent spreading the disease. Gives ...

David C. Shaw, Alan Kanaskie | Sep 2019 | Extension Catalog publication Peer reviewed (Orange level)

The madrones look troubled, how can I help?

Q: Do madrones have a short life cycle? Is something killing them? What can I do to help them thrive?

A: View answer | View all featured questions

Sudden Oak Death: Prevention, Recognition, Restoration

A guide for homeowners, small woodland owners, resource managers, and conservation groups to recognize, prevent, and manage Sudden Oak Death. This publication can be downloaded in two different formats. The "PDF" ...

Norma Kline, Sarah Navarro, David C. Shaw | Oct 2018 | Extension Catalog publication Peer reviewed (Orange level)

What's Wrong With My Tree?

Are you worried about a tree on your property? Oregon State University Extension Service Foresters help you learn about individual tree needs, how to detect and describe symptoms of poor tree health, and to decide whether you need to take further action.

Nicole Strong, David C. Shaw | Apr 2017 | Video Peer reviewed (Gray level)

Pest Scene Investigator: A Training Curriculum

This curriculum is a resource for Extension foresters, educators, natural resource professionals, landowners, and others wishing to increase their ability to assess and mitigate forest health situations. This curriculum ...

Nicole Strong, Paul T. Oester, David C. Shaw, Brandy Saffell, Tiffany Hopkins, Carrie Berger | Mar 2017 | Extension Catalog publication Peer reviewed (Orange level)

The Hidden Threat In Firewood: Invasive Forest Pests

Invasive forest pests are being transported throughout the continent in untreated firewood. Examples of these non-native threats that can occur in firewood include the emerald ash borer, Asian longhorned beetle, Sirex ...

David C. Shaw, Amy Grotta, Wyatt Williams, Raini Rippy, Steve Bowers | Mar 2016 | Extension Catalog publication Peer reviewed (Orange level)

OFPD Module 3 Asian Longhorned Beetle

This video is part of an online training for Oregon Forest Pest Detectors. The content covers the introduction and spread of the invasive Asian longhorned beetle (ALB) in the United States, as well as the potential economic and environmental impacts that ALB could have in Oregon.

David C. Shaw | Feb 2015 | Video

Oregon Forest Pest Detector Introduction

This video introduces the Oregon Forest Pest Detector program, which aims to equip green industry professionals and outdoor volunteers to be able to identify invasive forest pests (such as the emerald ash borer and Asian ...

David C. Shaw | Feb 2015 | Video

Common Insect Pests and Diseases of Sitka Spruce on the Oregon Coast

Sitka spruce is among the world's fast-growing trees and the largest of the world's spruces. It's a valuable commercial timber. Its range extends from Alaska to northern California, but it faces unique problems ...

Jim Reeb, David C. Shaw | Jan 2015 | Extension Catalog publication Peer reviewed (Orange level)

Common Insect Pests and Diseases of Shore Pine on the Oregon Coast

Shore pine is a subspecies of lodgepole pine that inhabits the coastal strip in Oregon. Insect pests, diseases, and nonbiological (abiotic) factors may have an impact on growth, visual appearance, and productivity ...

James E. Reeb, David C. Shaw | Sep 2010 | Extension Catalog publication Peer reviewed (Orange level)

Forest Health Fact Sheet: Diseases and Insect Pests of Pacific Madrone

Discusses three major types of madrone diseases--foliage, branch dieback and trunk canker, and root--and ways to minimize and manage. Discusses insect pests of madrone: fall webworm, western tent caterpillar, aphids, and leaf miners. Color photos. Sources of further information.

Max Bennett, David C. Shaw | May 2008 | Extension Catalog publication Peer reviewed (Orange level)

Forest Health Fact Sheet: Sudden Oak Death (Phytophthora ramorum)

Gives basic facts about a serious plant disease called Sudden Oak Death, caused by the pathogen Phytophthora ramorum. Describes risk of disease to forest health and to commercial nursery industry. Shows disease ...

David C. Shaw | Jun 2007 | Extension Catalog publication Peer reviewed (Orange level)

What’s wrong with my madrone?

This article briefly discusses the most prevalent madrone disease problems, then offers a broader perspective on the health of this southern Oregon native.

Max Bennett, David C. Shaw | Nov 2006 | Article

Enthusiastic crowd attends OSU Extension workshop to hear about iconic madrone tree

With distinctive peeling bark and statuesque form madrone trees play an iconic role in the Pacific Northwest landscape.

Kym Pokorny | Dec 8, 2023 | News story

Native madrones are special to the Northwest

There are probably few plants that are more strongly identified with this area or are held in greater affection than the madrone tree.

Kym Pokorny | Jan 14, 2023 | News story

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