My Tree Looks Great, but the bark in one area does not - a concern? - Ask Extension
Hello, Thank you so much for this service! I have a (guessing 8-10 year-old) red oak tree in my back yard which looks very healthy. But, the bark ...
Knowledgebase
My Tree Looks Great, but the bark in one area does not - a concern? #216332
Asked October 09, 2014, 10:05 PM EDT
Hello,
Thank you so much for this service! I have a (guessing 8-10 year-old) red oak tree in my back yard which looks very healthy. But, the bark near the base of the tree does not. It looks dry and broken and is peeling away. The wood under the bark is beginning to look less than healthy as well. We love this tree, so really want to keep it healthy. We live in north Fort Worth. Here are two pictures. More available if needed. Do you have any advice?
Thank you.
Joe
Thank you so much for this service! I have a (guessing 8-10 year-old) red oak tree in my back yard which looks very healthy. But, the bark near the base of the tree does not. It looks dry and broken and is peeling away. The wood under the bark is beginning to look less than healthy as well. We love this tree, so really want to keep it healthy. We live in north Fort Worth. Here are two pictures. More available if needed. Do you have any advice?
Thank you.
Joe
Tarrant County Texas
Expert Response
Hi Joe
Thank you for your question and glad to try and help you? From the two pictures you sent it appears that there has been some severe damage to the base of the tree? Perhaps weed eater damage or bumping it with the mower? You can see on the right side of the trunk at the base the beige looking ridge, that is the tree trying to callus over and close the wound. Unfortunately it appears the wound may be a bit big to close over entirely. As far as the tree recovering or perishing its hard to say at this time? How does the health of the canopy look? perhaps some more pictures to give you a definitive answer?
thanks
Steve
Thank you, Steve. We really appreciate your help. I like your thinking. It could be from the lawn mower or weed eater, but it is only on one side (southern exposure side). As requested, I'm providing some additional photos that were taken with better light in case they help. Than you so much!
the canopy of the tree looks reasonably healthy, so at this point I would just suggest keeping an eye on it and keeping any power equipment away from the base of the tree? You might want to check it monthly to see if you have any insect issues at the bottom and treat accordingly? It looks like it may have also had some sun scald on the southern side when it was young which happens regularly. This may have had an impact on the current issue as well?
