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Pin oak dying?

6 months ago

I'm in Houston, TX, and we had a brutal summer of drought. We have a pin oak that has been dropping what seems like a branch every year but otherwise it comes back green in the spring. Since last winter, it has lost several branches and is looking more scraggly. This summer really stressed it because every leaf turned brown and fell in June and dropped more branches. Now that we have had plenty of rain, the other trees are doing well and this one is still struggling. Now I see there are holes in the trunk and peeling bark. This tree is close to the house so I'm not sure if I should cut it down to be safe or see if it comes back in spring.

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Comments (3)

Dawn C
Original Author
6 months ago
bengz6westmd
6 months ago
last modified: 6 months ago
Pin oak that far south (Houston) is not going to thrive -- it's a more northern, mid-west tree. So, as it is weakened, diseases and pests are going to attack it and it will be short-lived. Best to cut it down IMHO.
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" now that we're seeing foam check bacterial wet wood " That's the way it appeared originally, so I think that's it. Doesn't sound like there's a lot that can be done for that. Just keep the tree healthy and it should outgrow it, from what I've read. Again, these red oaks have been slow to establish, so maybe if one dies. it isn't the end of the world. They did put out pretty good growth this season so maybe I'll 'wait n see', but If they're so unhappy in that area that they start having problems and won't start growing, no reason to keep fighting with them. I know in my woods they like a more moist soil, between where the upland ends and the swap begins.
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ken_adrian Adrian MI cold Z5
6 months ago
we should probably confirm the ID though i doubt it matters..

i cant really focus on the pic.. to see the bark issue very well ...

if it falls.. is it a threat to anything .... like the house.. barn.. neighbor.. etc.. whether you like your neighbor.. you really shouldnt kill him or her with a dead tree ..

is see it is near the house..

either invest in having an isa certified tree doctor come give you a valid on site opinion..

https://duckduckgo.com/?q=isa+arborist&t=ftsa&ia=web

or just use that money towards removal ...

relying on us.. isnt the best option at this time..

your house and your life are the important things here.. not tree hugging... focus...

ken

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