Question
Oak tree branch damage
I just recently moved into my house in Alabama. I have an old oak tree in my backyard that is extremely close to both my house and my neighbor's house. I'm not sure how long it has been here, but from the size of the trunk I would guess at least 100 years. The trunk is at least 36 inches in diameter. It still has many green leaves, but the branches closest to the trunk are rotting and falling off.
We were lucky recently when a branch fell toward my neighbor's house; it went over his power lines, narrowly missing them, his house, and his shed.
I can't see a branch that doesn't have some sort of damage. I've been told the largest branch on the tree could fall at any time. I've been told many other trees in the area have been cut down due to this same problem and that they ended up being totally hollow.
It breaks my heart since the tree has probably been here longer than this town. It is also the only source of shade in my yard, but I'm worried about more branches falling causing property damage and potentially injury or loss of life to my family or my neighbor's.
Is there any other choice other than to have the tree cut down? What is a general estimate for the cost? I've gotten one estimate so far, but being young and female I worry about being overcharged. If I have to have it cut down, I hope I'll be able to get to the ground in the same spot to plant another large tree and not have just a stump there. I've attached a picture of one of the branches. If you need any more pictures, please e-mail me.
Thank you for your help.
AnswerIt sound like a decay fungi has entered a wound on the trunk many years ago and has grown up the trunk into the limbs. This is a slow process.
If the limb that broke was hollow on the end near the trunk then the decay fungi has caused the limb to break. Depending on the condition of the foliage--the fullness and the overall health of the leaves the tree could be saved by fertilizing the tree with 10-10-10 fertilizer at the rate of 1 lb per inch of trunk diameter scattered around the tree and watered in good.
BUT i would first have someone who is not in the tree removal business look at the tree and advise you. I would suggest that you call the local office of the Alabama Forestry Commission and have one of their Foresters come take a look and see what they think. You could also call the Alabama Cooperative Extension Service and have one of their Forestry specialist look. Either one should know or can get you information on who to call to get the tree down IF it is needed. IF you are near Montgomery call Neil Letson with the Alabama Forestry Commission (334) 240-9331 and he has extensive knowledge on urban trees and their health. These agencies do not charge for this service.
Here is the contact page for the AFC http://www.forestry.state.al.us/Contact.aspx#
Also the Extension office. http://www.aces.edu/counties/
The cost maybe high depending on the size and the location of the tree. In the range of 500--1000. I would ask the agency Foresters if they know of a person who can do this work and is bonded. They can also grind the stump below the ground and you can plant a new tree as long as it is not right on top of the old stump. There still will be wood under the ground so you will need to move to the side of the stump area. There are folks that will rip you off on the cost so ask for assistance.
I am in Montgomery and worked as the Forest Health Chief for the Forestry Commission for 34 years so you can use my name especially if you call Neil. Some of the County Foresters still know me been retired for 5 years. I would try Neil first.
