Question
My parents have an oak tree that developed a small split in the base of the trunk and has progressively become larger over the past year. The vertical split is about 1.5' down the trunk and about 1" in width. The bark around the the split is also beginning to fall off. The tree is also beginning to lean from the weight of the top. The tree is probably 40'-50' tall and 3' in trunk diameter. The tree is located in Zephyrhills, FL (West coast of Florida).

I thought it may have been hit by lightning or might have been infected by oak wilt but the leaves show no sign of disease.

Can this tree be saved? My parents have already lost three oaks over the years from lightning strikes and I know they would be really disappointed from this loss.

Answer
Matthew:
I lived in Fort Myers for about 6 yrs and I can tell you all about the lightning! It can do alot of damage to trees, but it "usually" hits the top and knocks the bark off often to the ground.  The split near the ground as you describe does not sound like lightning based on that. Nothing that you can do for the split, except give the tree adequate water during dry/hot periods and fertilizer (based on a recent soil test).  If cared for, it can last a long time.  Often decay organisms get in through wounds- like those by a stringtrimmer and lawnmower- so wounds are about the worst thing you can do to a tree.  Often insects may move in to this "desirable" area and set up housekeeping, not really causing much damage- just using the dead portions for a home. Oak wilt would need to be confirmed by lab analysis/culturing. It can produce a herringbone pattern to the foliage, but not always. The fungus causes a wilt initially since it plugs up the water conducting vessels. If you are concerned about OW, contact you local county Extension office for their advise.  They may suggest bringing in a sample and having it sent to Gainesville at the university for additional tests.

Regards
Steve