Rowan tree help

[Db104]

Hi all,

 

Apologies if this is a duplicate post, I had some issues registering initially. 

 

I have a very old Rowan in my garden that is looking a little poorly. The bark on one of its limbs has begun peeling, underneath which it is quite red. I was hoping for a little advice on my best course of action. It only appears to impact one limb, though there are the beginnings of similar markings on the trunk. 

[Mike R]

I’d like to get advice of more experienced people on this platform only being 2 years in the industry but it seems the limb you showed is dying/dead. Is there perhaps any sign of any fungus around the base of the stem?

[Db104]

Thanks for getting back to me. 
 

There is nothing at the base which strikes me as obviously being fungus, albeit mine is an untrained eye. 

[openspaceman]

That looks like bacterial, rowan are susceptible to fireblight.

[Rough Hewn]

Rowan are quite fragile trees.
Yours is probably knackered as the cracked open bark on the main stem suggests.
Personally...
Either
A: trim infected and dead wood and see what happens
B: cut whole tree down to 6” and wait for it to regrow. (It will).
C: cut down and replant.
[emoji106]

[tree77]

I've seen  lot like this, never known fully the course but generally they continue to decline and we remove the tree.

[Db104]

Thanks for all your responses. 

I’ve had a look and fireblight looks like a good shout, matches pretty closely to what I’m seeing. 

 

Were I to make an effort to salvage it, I’m guessing I would have to have to cut below the cracks on the trunk? 

 

Secondly, given this would leave a decent chunk of exposed wood I would have to use a sealant. However, I noticed there were a few anti fungal sprays, is there any merit in my giving these a go, despite thinking it’s likely fireblight?

[Stubby]

4 minutes ago, Db104 said:

Thanks for all your responses. 

I’ve had a look and fireblight looks like a good shout, matches pretty closely to what I’m seeing. 

 

Were I to make an effort to salvage it, I’m guessing I would have to have to cut below the cracks on the trunk? 

 

Secondly, given this would leave a decent chunk of exposed wood I would have to use a sealant. However, I noticed there were a few anti fungal sprays, is there any merit in my giving these a go, despite thinking it’s likely fireblight?

Sealants are " old school " and not used now a days  preferring the tree to do its own healing .  Its your call obviously but if it were mine I would have it out ( split and season it ) and replant  with a tree of your choice .

Edited March 22, 2021 by Stubby