Erupting bark on a white oak - Ask Extension
I am sending two pictures in order for someone to give an opinion on what is happening to one of my white oak trees. I have 12 oak trees in my yard a...
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Erupting bark on a white oak #365686
Asked September 25, 2016, 5:48 PM EDT
I am sending two pictures in order for someone to give an opinion on what is happening to one of my white oak trees. I have 12 oak trees in my yard and only one with this problem. Three arborist have looked at it and all have never seen anything like it. The tree is about 40-50 feet tall and I am concerned for its health. The problem has gotten worse through the years but not spread to any other trees and it leafs out every spring. I am wondering how concerned I should b.
Clackamas County Oregon
Expert Response
Hello, I cannot say for sure what is doing this. This looks like a canker disease, that for whatever reason is affecting your one oak. I don't necessarily think it will attack the other trees. My best guess is that it may be "canker rot", which can be caused by wood decay fungi that decay the sapwood and kill the bark. This is a guess, but we would really only know with dissection of the tree, and we don't want to do that!
Given this hypothesis, the tree is pretty much on it's own in fighting the fungus. The literature suggests the tree may eventually decline, but if it looks good for now, I would keep it. However, if it is very close to a house or cars or people, it may be a candidate for removal due to a hazard from breaking. Although you should ask an arborist about this.
If the tree is in a safe place I would just ride it out and see how the tree does, if it begins to decline you may consider removing it, unless you want to allow wildlife to use it, as it may be a nice wildlife tree with internal decay. I hope this helps.
Given this hypothesis, the tree is pretty much on it's own in fighting the fungus. The literature suggests the tree may eventually decline, but if it looks good for now, I would keep it. However, if it is very close to a house or cars or people, it may be a candidate for removal due to a hazard from breaking. Although you should ask an arborist about this.
If the tree is in a safe place I would just ride it out and see how the tree does, if it begins to decline you may consider removing it, unless you want to allow wildlife to use it, as it may be a nice wildlife tree with internal decay. I hope this helps.
