Top half half of oak tree did not leaf out this year - Ask Extension
My large oak tree in my backyard only leafed out on the bottom half of the tree. The top half has what appear to be leaf buds but no leaves. I am wo...
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Top half half of oak tree did not leaf out this year #405223
Asked June 06, 2017, 10:05 PM EDT
My large oak tree in my backyard only leafed out on the bottom half of the tree. The top half has what appear to be leaf buds but no leaves. I am wonder if the tree is dying and needs to come down or can it be saved. This is the 1st year that I have noticed any issues with this tree. No construction or poisons have been used in the area of the tree. There are composting bins with in 10' of the tree base. The tree has a twin with its trunk touching the tree in question. The twin is not having any visible issues.
Anne Arundel County Maryland
Expert Response
By "twin", do you mean that this is a double-trunked tree? Double-trunked trees can have problems. In this case, one trunk may be out-competing the other. If would be helpful to send us a photo of the trees at the base. As trees grow, they require more and more water and nutrients because they are bigger.
Your compost bins could be a problem. How large are they and how are they constructed? Are they perpendicular or parallel with the roots radiating out from the base of the tree?
Ultimately (especially since you'll probably have to have the top of the tree removed anyway), we recommend that you contact a tree service company that has a certified arborist, certified by the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA). Usually they do not charge to come out and look at the tree, only for any work done on the tree. To find one near you, follow the prompts on the ISA website: www.treesaregood.org
ECN
Your compost bins could be a problem. How large are they and how are they constructed? Are they perpendicular or parallel with the roots radiating out from the base of the tree?
Ultimately (especially since you'll probably have to have the top of the tree removed anyway), we recommend that you contact a tree service company that has a certified arborist, certified by the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA). Usually they do not charge to come out and look at the tree, only for any work done on the tree. To find one near you, follow the prompts on the ISA website: www.treesaregood.org
ECN
Here are the picture of the twins. The people that have looked at the tree have said that the twin could remain and survive. I also posted a picture showing the compost bins and the buds at the top of the tree.
I contacted an arborist from the site you suggested he don't think that the compost bins are causing the tree's decline. The living tree looks to be in good condition (judging from the pictures) and most likely could be retained safely if the declining tree is removed. He
I contacted an arborist from the site you suggested he don't think that the compost bins are causing the tree's decline. The living tree looks to be in good condition (judging from the pictures) and most likely could be retained safely if the declining tree is removed. He
I got cutoff in my last post
The arborist also said "From the pictures you sent and your description it's my opinion that the tree is on it's last legs. Generally, dieback from the top down is a sign that a tree is under severe stress (whether it be from disease or a physical stress such as construction or lightening strike)". By the way, he charges $125 to come out
The arborist also said "From the pictures you sent and your description it's my opinion that the tree is on it's last legs. Generally, dieback from the top down is a sign that a tree is under severe stress (whether it be from disease or a physical stress such as construction or lightening strike)". By the way, he charges $125 to come out
We agree with the arborist. (Incidentally, this is not a double-trunked tree, as you probably know.) The dying oak needs to be taken down. The death may simply be a matter of being out-competed by the healthy oak.
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