Alabammatreehugger, I do agree with you if the suggested oak and beech were planted in the wrong micro-climate, they could suffer from molds and or leaf bleaching. But in relation to nrwv's reported situation: the North Carolina tree evaluation list indicates that there are some good English oak cultivar specimans growing in the state. The cultivar specifically mentioned is the 'Crimson Spire' (15' wide spreader English Oak cultivar.) The NC tree evaluation report did mention that some of these english oaks suffer damage from Japanese beetles, but isn't the Bayer brand systemic treatment for trees and shrubs an affective treatment to prevent such damage. I have used that systemic treatment on many of my trees and shrubs, and it has protected them from such infestions. The Bayer brand Systemic treatment is easy to apply; and after the intial treatment, the trees only need to be retreated with it once in the early fall of each following year, thereafter. Further more, if the Oaks are planted on the east side of those red tips which are growing on the west side of the driveway, then the oaks would get the benefit of morning and midday sun to help dry the morning dew: they would also get the benefit of afternoon shade cast onto them by those tall red tips, resulting in the trees being protected from the hot sun in the hottest part of the summer day. Also, the Purple leaf beeches surely would benefit from the afternoon shade which those tall red tips growing only 5 feet west of them would be providing. Then, at various times in the summer the beeches could even get some morning sun shade provided by the oaks, especially if those oaks were planted just east of the beeches and staggered a little just to the north or south of each purple leaf beech; as I first suggested planting them. In light of the micro climate situation as the trees planted the way I suggested would encounter, I have a little trouble imagining how the beech leaves will be over exposed to fading light or how the oaks will not be benefited by the morning sun helping to dry their leaves. The drying dynamic I am thinking of to benefit the english oak cultivars is similar to the mold and black spot preventive benefits roses obtain when they are growing in a micro-climate, which receives morning sun and afternoon shade. Also, just like when people avoid watering such mold suceptable plants in the late afternoon or early evening, when there is not enough time for the sun to dry the rose's foliage.

roots in the soil ... flare at ground level.. trunk above .... a place for each .... check out the link .... how long has your tree been there... maybe i can find .. or remember to find the other post .... ken Here is a link that might be useful: third pic down

Thanks! This plan is being inspired by an issue similar to the "America Elm". The road used to be planted with Black Pine, which were very salt tolerant. An epidemic of bark beetles wiped them all out. Interestingly, I had been looking for salt tolerant evergreen replacements before, and never ran into the name pinus radiata. I'd be worried the bark beetles would take them out. Eastern White Pine is IMHO the prettiest pine and totally immune to the local diseases, but particularly vulnerable to salt. That's what the neighbors planted. Ended up using pitch pine, which is very salt tolerant, but still might have some beetle vulnerability. Also considered Atlas Cedar. There are a lot of wild Juniperus virginiana thriving on the sight. Euonymousis an invasive species here. I did consider sea buckthorn for erosion control on another spot. While it isn't considered invasive in my area, I'm told some are worried it will be. I'll have to look into Holly Oak...it should survive here. It's rated for my zone. Tupelo is a tree I really think is in theory perfect for the area. Very wind resistant, slightly salt resistant, beautiful fall color, not particularly susceptibility to local diseases. The catch is this is for my parent's property...I won't be there to water them. I can't find a cheap source of tupelo, and I hear it doesn't take well to transplanting. So my "plant a bunch and hope some survive neglect" strategy likely won't work for it. I'm waiting until I can get my parents more interested in the project to plant a couple tupelo in the "place of honor" where they can be seen from the house. At the moment, I'm looking for a row of cheap bare root things I can plant in a row along the road in front of the field. This part of the project is deciduous because I want to keep the Fall color of the area and not completely obstruct the neighbor's view.

Really need closer, more detailed photos to confirm but I strongly believe what you are seeing are lichens and/or some moss or algae. They are using the tree only as a support system and are harmless.