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Advice on live oak tree

2 months ago

Large old live oak struggling, has dead upper branches. The crotch of the tree has a hallow spot that seems to be getting deeper and we were told by the tree trimmers that it has a fungus problem. Can anyone advise me on how to treat this and what products are the most effective?

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Comments (4)

Embothrium
2 months ago
The "tree trimmers" that you were talking to in the first place are who you should have found out about this from. Otherwise try lining up somebody that says they are an ISA Certified Arborist to come and have a look, make recommendations.
gardengal48 (PNW Z8/9)
2 months ago
Can you post photos? Without seeing the situation and being able to visually assess the damage, all we can offer is speculation :-)

Just by description, it sounds like your tree may have heart rot. The hole in the crotch may not be the primary cause but it is not helping. Suggestions to cement or mortar this hole to keep any water out are no longer advised (more harm than help) but a dedicated landscaping spray foam applied after a thorough cleaning out and drying can delay the decline.

Generally, heart rots in trees are not treatable. But that also does not necessarily mean the need for immediate removal. Trees with heart rots can often live for decades without risk of falling or breaking apart.

Your best advice is to hire a certified arborist skilled in tree health evaluation for a consultation. He may be able to suggest a possible course of treatment, although I would not hold out a lot of hope for a major recovery. But you should have plenty of time to select and plant its replacement :-)
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ken_adrian Adrian MI cold Z5
2 months ago
If it overhangs anything of value....it has to go...

How about some pix...your big city location...etc

Ken
rhizo_1 (North AL) zone 7
2 months ago
Your comment that it had dead upper branches is important. That is one of the significant indications of problems deep within. That a hole has developed in the crotch of the tree is, of course, a real issue. Trees, as they age, get weaker and more fragile…more susceptible to the many issues that can cause problems.

As has been said, there is NO cure for heart rot and other systemic diseases of trees. However, if the tree is healthy in the first place and is growing in a good environment free of compaction and other insults, an oak can manage for quite some time.

Please contact the services of an ISA Certified arborist to obtain the best advice. The original tree trimmers should not be on that list.

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