Oak Tree Photos
April 12, 2013
Click on a photo to view a larger image, or to begin a slideshow of all the photos.
The above photo shows two reasons for the tree's decline: It's root system was harmed when the sidewalks
and driveway were built nearby, and the tree was "topped". ("Why Topping Hurts Trees")
The bark is falling off the tree, which indicates rot and decay underneath.
Note: The property line has been staked from the street to the seawall, and it appears to run right through the middle of the tree.
The buds on all of the white oak trees in my yard have either opened or are about to.
I'm not sure that this tree is even alive. If it were, the buds should be much larger than this.
Another photo showing bark falling off the tree.
Not only is the bark falling off the tree, but the underlying wood is soft, indicating decay.
Not surprisingly, there are insect and woodpecker holes where the bark is missing.
Some of the bark higher up in the tree is falling off, too.
In my opinion, if this tree isn't already dead, it's close to it. It's in very poor condition. White oaks are among the most durable trees around here, but this tree is too far gone to save. It really has no chance of recovering or becoming a nice tree. I love trees, but if it were in my yard, I wouldn't hesitate to cut it down. It may take a few years, but at some point the continual rotting and weakening near the base of the tree will cause the tree to eventually topple over. And since it leans toward your house, that's likely the direction it's going to fall. I wouldn't take the chance of letting a tree in this condition hitting my house. The tree may not look very heavy, but if it falls on your house, it will cause real damage. The tree is more of a liability to you than an asset. This, again, from someone who loves trees.
If you have any questions, call me (573-348-9471) or e-mail me at jim@gojim.tv
Glad I could help!
Jim