Phytophthora ramorum
Trials of silvicultural methods for treating "P. ramorum" began in Humboldt County in northwest coastal California in 2006. The trials have taken place on a variety of infested properties both private and public and have generally focused on varying levels and kinds of host removal. The largest () and most replicated trials have involved removal of tanoak and bay laurel by chainsaw throughout the infested stand, both with and without subsequent underburning designed to eliminate small seedlings and infested leaf litter. Other treatments included host removal in a modified “shaded fuelbreak” design in which all bay laurel is removed, but not all tanoaks; bay and tanoak removal using herbicides; and removal of bay laurel alone. The results of these treatments are still being monitored, but repeated sampling has so far detected only very small amounts of "P. ramorum" in the soil or on vegetation in the treated sites.
Phytophthora ramorum
Species of "Phytophthora" have been shown to have evolved by the interspecific hybridization of two different species from the genus. When a species is introduced into a new environment, it causes episodic selection. The invading species is exposed to other resident taxa, and hybridization may occur to produce a new species. If these hybrids are successful, they may outcompete their parent species. Thus, "P, ramorum" is possibly a hybrid between two species. Its unique morphology does support this. Also, three sequences studied to establish the phylogeny of "Phytophthora": ITS, cox II and nad 5, were identical, supporting "P. ramorum" having recently evolved.