Live oak tree bark issue - Ask Extension
From the photos can you advise me on what might be happening to my Live oak tree. Two other trees near by of about the same age don’t show this is...
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Live oak tree bark issue #829485
Asked May 11, 2023, 12:14 PM EDT
From the photos can you advise me on what might be happening to my Live oak tree. Two other trees near by of about the same age don’t show this issue. Bark seems to be splitting off the eastern face. The tree is about 25 years old and was planted when house was built in 2001.
It has sustained some damage in the upper branches due to recent ice storms. But local tree trimmers removed damaged branches.
Would appreciate any information you can give me.
Travis County Texas
Expert Response
Hi Kathleen,
The bark splitting on our mature oaks is certainly a concern and is not normal.
There are several possibly explanations. It could be from changes in moisture (dry to wet), temperature, and possibly from the ice storms we had this winter. The drought has caused stress on a lot of trees the past three years. The ice storms have damaged also damaged and weakened a lot of trees.
Whatever the cause, the wounds will likely lead to infection from fungi or bacteria, or infestation of wood boring insects. I would recommend sealing the wounds to prevent any potential disease or insect problems. Then make sure to water the tree effectively by soaking the soil at least 6 inches deep with a soaker hose, at least once per month in the absence of effective, soak rain.
You may consider consulting with a certified arborist and seeing what options they have available. Check out http://www.isa-arbor.com/findanarborist/findanarborist.aspx
Liz S.
The bark splitting on our mature oaks is certainly a concern and is not normal.
There are several possibly explanations. It could be from changes in moisture (dry to wet), temperature, and possibly from the ice storms we had this winter. The drought has caused stress on a lot of trees the past three years. The ice storms have damaged also damaged and weakened a lot of trees.
Whatever the cause, the wounds will likely lead to infection from fungi or bacteria, or infestation of wood boring insects. I would recommend sealing the wounds to prevent any potential disease or insect problems. Then make sure to water the tree effectively by soaking the soil at least 6 inches deep with a soaker hose, at least once per month in the absence of effective, soak rain.
You may consider consulting with a certified arborist and seeing what options they have available. Check out http://www.isa-arbor.com/findanarborist/findanarborist.aspx
Liz S.
