Question
We have an oak with ~30 ft of trunk before branching off and up, way up, 3 ft diameter base.  It has suckers coming out the sides of the tree up the trunk, not out of the base or ground.  Are these a sign of distress or health?  It has had some branches die off at times, but the high parts seem to be flourishing.  6 years ago there was some construction near the tree (~10 ft to one side), but it stabilized well following.  Should we prune them off?  If so now before leaves, or does it matter?  Thanks much!

Answer
These are common on oak--they are called epicormic branches. These are more of a result of light hitting the trunk than stress. The nark of oaks have buds under it and when they are exposed to light they sometimes will sprout. They can be pruned off or left to grow. If left they will make the tree look more bushy. If we want the trunk of the tree to be lean then I would just prune them off. As long as the foliage in the crown is green and healthy looking the tree is ok.