Tree Problem - Ask Extension
We are trying to determine whether this tree needs to come down and what caused the entire middle to hollow.
Knowledgebase
Tree Problem #865383
Asked April 22, 2024, 9:44 AM EDT
We are trying to determine whether this tree needs to come down and what caused the entire middle to hollow.
Wayne County Michigan
Expert Response
Hello,
FYI – My tree ID app identified all three of your images as a type of oak tree. I believe it is a Bur Oak.
In Michigan, oak trees can experience various issues that lead to cracks in the trunk and hollowing. Let’s explore some potential causes:
Oak Wilt: HAVE THE ARBORIST DIAGNOSE THIS TREE FOR OAK WILT
Description: Oak wilt is a serious disease affecting many oak species throughout the eastern United States. The fungus Ceratocystis fagacearum causes oak wilt.
Symptoms:
Leaves wilting and littering the ground around the tree.
Fungal mats growing under the bark, creating pressure and causing bark to crack.
Transmission: Sap beetles carry spores from infected trees to freshly wounded, uninfected trees.
Management: HAVE THE ARBORIST DIAGNOSE THIS TREE FOR OAK WILT
Prevention: Avoid wounding oaks from April through July.
Hosts: Various oak species are susceptible to oak wilt, including red oak (Quercus rubra), white oak (Quercus alba), and others. More information is at this link:
https://www.canr.msu.edu/resources/oak_wilt_in_michigans_forests
Frost Cracks:
Description: Frost cracks occur during cold winter weather when the inner and outer wood in a tree’s trunk expand and contract at different rates due to temperature changes.
Symptoms: Vertical cracks on the trunk.
Cause: Rapid temperature fluctuations.
Prevention: Proper tree care and avoiding sudden temperature changes.
Management: No specific treatment; focus on overall tree health.
More information at this link:
https://depts.washington.edu/hortlib/pal/cracks-and-splits-in-tree-trunks/
Tree Cavities:
Description: Tree cavities often result from injuries followed by decay. Decay can begin due to trunk injuries, large limb loss, topping, or improper pruning.
Symptoms: Hollowing of the tree over time.
Risk: Hollow trees may not be at significant risk of falling if growth compensates for inner wood loss.
Safety Assessment: Consult an arborist to evaluate tree safety.
Filling Cavities: If filling the cavity, avoid drilling holes or using concrete. Spray insulation foam can prevent water pooling but won’t improve tree health. More information at this link:
https://hnr.k-state.edu/extension/horticulture-resource-center/common-pest-problems/documents/Tree%20Cavities.pdf
BOTTOMLINE – YOU NEED TO GET A ONSITE ASSESMENT FROM A CERTIFIED ARBORIST - THEY WILL DETERMINE WHETHER THE TREE NEEDS TO COME DOWN.
Remember to consult a professional arborist to assess your oak tree’s specific situation and recommend appropriate actions. To find an arborist in your Zip Code go to this link:
https://www.treesaregood.org/findanarborist/arboristsearch
I hope this helps!
FYI – My tree ID app identified all three of your images as a type of oak tree. I believe it is a Bur Oak.
In Michigan, oak trees can experience various issues that lead to cracks in the trunk and hollowing. Let’s explore some potential causes:
Oak Wilt: HAVE THE ARBORIST DIAGNOSE THIS TREE FOR OAK WILT
Description: Oak wilt is a serious disease affecting many oak species throughout the eastern United States. The fungus Ceratocystis fagacearum causes oak wilt.
Symptoms:
Leaves wilting and littering the ground around the tree.
Fungal mats growing under the bark, creating pressure and causing bark to crack.
Transmission: Sap beetles carry spores from infected trees to freshly wounded, uninfected trees.
Management: HAVE THE ARBORIST DIAGNOSE THIS TREE FOR OAK WILT
Prevention: Avoid wounding oaks from April through July.
Hosts: Various oak species are susceptible to oak wilt, including red oak (Quercus rubra), white oak (Quercus alba), and others. More information is at this link:
https://www.canr.msu.edu/resources/oak_wilt_in_michigans_forests
Frost Cracks:
Description: Frost cracks occur during cold winter weather when the inner and outer wood in a tree’s trunk expand and contract at different rates due to temperature changes.
Symptoms: Vertical cracks on the trunk.
Cause: Rapid temperature fluctuations.
Prevention: Proper tree care and avoiding sudden temperature changes.
Management: No specific treatment; focus on overall tree health.
More information at this link:
https://depts.washington.edu/hortlib/pal/cracks-and-splits-in-tree-trunks/
Tree Cavities:
Description: Tree cavities often result from injuries followed by decay. Decay can begin due to trunk injuries, large limb loss, topping, or improper pruning.
Symptoms: Hollowing of the tree over time.
Risk: Hollow trees may not be at significant risk of falling if growth compensates for inner wood loss.
Safety Assessment: Consult an arborist to evaluate tree safety.
Filling Cavities: If filling the cavity, avoid drilling holes or using concrete. Spray insulation foam can prevent water pooling but won’t improve tree health. More information at this link:
https://hnr.k-state.edu/extension/horticulture-resource-center/common-pest-problems/documents/Tree%20Cavities.pdf
BOTTOMLINE – YOU NEED TO GET A ONSITE ASSESMENT FROM A CERTIFIED ARBORIST - THEY WILL DETERMINE WHETHER THE TREE NEEDS TO COME DOWN.
Remember to consult a professional arborist to assess your oak tree’s specific situation and recommend appropriate actions. To find an arborist in your Zip Code go to this link:
https://www.treesaregood.org/findanarborist/arboristsearch
I hope this helps!
