Scrub Oak tops dead - Ask Extension
We have scrub oaks in front of our house that have grown into trees. They have leaves in the middle and are dead on the top.A lady from the fire dep...
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Scrub Oak tops dead #410608
Asked June 29, 2017, 3:57 AM EDT
We have scrub oaks in front of our house that have grown into trees. They have leaves in the middle and are dead on the top.
A lady from the fire department came out to advise how to mitigate exposure around our home. She said to remove the limbs half way up for the short trees and about 9 feet up for the taller trees. We didn't discuss the upper dead limbs, but I suspect she would advise removing them.
Why do they die and will it hurt the tree to remove the upper dead limbs?
A lady from the fire department came out to advise how to mitigate exposure around our home. She said to remove the limbs half way up for the short trees and about 9 feet up for the taller trees. We didn't discuss the upper dead limbs, but I suspect she would advise removing them.
Why do they die and will it hurt the tree to remove the upper dead limbs?
El Paso County Colorado
Expert Response
Thank you for your question. There is a link below that discusses pests and diseases associated with scrub oak. Without knowing of any symptoms I cannot even guess why the tops would die back.
When pruning (see second link; pruning details) it is advisable to remove the dead limbs. They are both a safety and fire hazard.
Scrub oak - http://digitalcommons.usu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1905&context=extension_curall
Pruning - http://planttalk.colostate.edu/topics/trees-shrubs-vines/1724-pruning-shade-trees/
When pruning (see second link; pruning details) it is advisable to remove the dead limbs. They are both a safety and fire hazard.
Scrub oak - http://digitalcommons.usu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1905&context=extension_curall
Pruning - http://planttalk.colostate.edu/topics/trees-shrubs-vines/1724-pruning-shade-trees/
