Oak Tree Advice

[Chocaholic]

Pics are self explanatory. I’ve had two professional tree services out to assess and advise regarding removal. Both said they didn’t know what it is (bark abnormality) but don’t worry about it, tree is healthy. House was built in 1989 and both thought the tree was about 70 years old. Covenants are very strict about minimizing tree removal even for new construction.

In this part of south AL, oak trees and magnolias are everywhere, many leaning over houses with seemingly no concern. It was its proximity to our house that raised my questions. Because a large crane would be required to remove it, the cost would be significant. Wondering if anyone here has seen this bark issue.

[flatbutt]

Is it wet and stinky? ie Wetwood bark blight. It's a bacterial infection.

[Scott Douglas]

I would bet that it has something to do with the air being blown up by that A/C unit.

[wilnj]

I would give these folks a shout.

https://www.aces.edu/counties/mobile/


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[Chocaholic]

It’s not wet, at least on the visual surface. I wondered about the AC fans but the tree guy said that it’s not likely. Just air blowing by intermittently.

[Crowbob]

Originally Posted by Scott Douglas

I would bet that it has something to do with the air being blown up by that A/C unit.

Astute observation.

I would concur.

[Baz]

Man that is a bubba Oak!

Nice to have the shade - bit of a trade off for the dropping foliage and pollen.

Doesn't look like a health concern to me, Mike.

Funny thing about trees.....they can be brought down by the tiniest thing but then you see some that look like they're about to keel over and they just keep on truckin'!

[Bill Douglas]

My concern would be the tree's root structure would continue to grow and raise/crack the floor structure of te house. That's pretty close for a big tree.

[sc_rufctr]

The bark looks OK to me. Note that it faces the house so it may be fungal (less natural light) which can be difficult to treat. The air conditioner isn't helping the situation.

Originally Posted by Bill Douglas

My concern would be the tree's root structure would continue to grow and raise/crack the floor structure of the house. That's pretty close for a big tree.

This more than anything else.

If that was my property I would remove the tree and then plant a new one further away from the house.
A "good" arborist should be able to remove the entire thing safely without the need of a crane.

[stevej37]

Originally Posted by Bill Douglas

My concern would be the tree's root structure would continue to grow and raise/crack the floor structure of te house. That's pretty close for a big tree.

I was thinking the same...and the closeness to the a/c.
It likely has many, many years left in it.

[masraum]

Originally Posted by Scott Douglas

I would bet that it has something to do with the air being blown up by that A/C unit.

That was the first thing that popped into my head as well. If it's a heat pump, then you have hot air in the summer and cold in the winter. All of that weirdness probably stresses the tree at least at the surface.

[ben parrish]

Check with your local county extension agent. Most of these folks are tied in with a state university and really love helping homeowners with this type of question I have used them in the past, and I’ve always been impressed with their knowledge.

[Chocaholic]

I may try to fashion a shield to deflect the prop-wash away from the tree. Guessing this was exacerbated over decades, so I may not ever know if it helps. Again…both tree guys disregarded the heat pump question.

[Bob Kontak]

You've got two condenser units. Is the one obstructed by the tree (in the photo) as close as the one in the foreground? Same bark condition?

Seems the bark starts to get normal after it raises above the roof line. Is it lack of sun on top of the condenser heat?

I like the deflector idea.

[wilnj]

Originally Posted by ben parrish

Check with your local county extension agent. Most of these folks are tied in with a state university and really love helping homeowners with this type of question I have used them in the past, and I’ve always been impressed with their knowledge.

I posted the link in Post #4.


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[Chocaholic]

Yes, the second condenser is just a bit further from the tree but still pretty close. The other reason I was suspicious is that we have several other of the same tree, just as large with perfectly normal bark.

[craigster59]

Originally Posted by ben parrish

Check with your local county extension agent. Most of these folks are tied in with a state university and really love helping homeowners with this type of question I have used them in the past, and I’ve always been impressed with their knowledge.

"Hank Agent, your county Kimball at your service!"

That seems like a good route to take. They would be tuned in to any local pests and diseases .

[stomachmonkey]

Originally Posted by flatbutt

Is it wet and stinky? ie Wetwood bark blight. It's a bacterial infection.

I'm with you, wetwood / slime flux.

[Shaun @ Tru6]

Originally Posted by ben parrish

Check with your local county extension agent. Most of these folks are tied in with a state university and really love helping homeowners with this type of question I have used them in the past, and I’ve always been impressed with their knowledge.

This. My grandfather lived in the middle of a forest and was always having UCONN agriculture staff down to check this and that. They loved being out of the classroom from what he told me.

[Arizona_928]

Originally Posted by Shaun @ Tru6

This. My grandfather lived in the middle of a forest and was always having UCONN agriculture staff down to check this and that. They loved being out of the classroom from what he told me.

+1

Biology guys love to get out of the lab and do field work.