Poorly Tulip Tree

[Polisher]

Hi, 

I'm new to this forum. 

We have a good sized Tulip tree in the rear garden that has become a bit poorly. The tree has a black substance leeching out and the bark is lifting off only at the rear of the tree from the base upwards. 

Really want to keep this wonderful tree, any ideas what has happened? 

This has all kicked off recently. 

 

[JSN]

I would condemn this tree from the pics.  The hard landscaping probably damaged the roots way back when.  Although you have just noticed the defects - I imagine it’s been in decline for a  growing season or three.   Pics of the other side of stem and whole crown would be helpful. 

[Dan Maynard]

Agree with above, with so much of this side dead the roots are most likely compromised on this side which is bad for stability. Would it reach the house if it falls that way?

[Polisher]

13 minutes ago, Dan Maynard said:

Agree with above, with so much of this side dead the roots are most likely compromised on this side which is bad for stability. Would it reach the house if it falls that way?

Hi, I will sort some more pics, the tree has been untouched for 34 years and has always given lovely flowers and appears very healthy. 

There were horrible fungal growths that shot out within the last few weeks that came up under the bark. 

I cleaned it all off the base of the tree. 

It's probably more than double the height of the house and has huge branches, it slightly leans toward the house. If it suddenly snapped at the base it would remove part of the house without doubt. 

[Mick Dempsey]

It’s cooked, take it out.

[dumper]

1 hour ago, Polisher said:

Hi, I will sort some more pics, the tree has been untouched for 34 years and has always given lovely flowers and appears very healthy. 

There were horrible fungal growths that shot out within the last few weeks that came up under the bark. 

I cleaned it all off the base of the tree. 

It's probably more than double the height of the house and has huge branches, it slightly leans toward the house. If it suddenly snapped at the base it would remove part of the house without doubt. 

You have answered your own question, take it out before it falls over tulip declines very quickly I wouldn’t wait much longer 

[nepia]

A lot more bark is ready to peel off too.  Sorry, that tree is indeed goosed; it needs to go considering the risk that failure presents

[Dan Maynard]

Hi, I will sort some more pics, the tree has been untouched for 34 years and has always given lovely flowers and appears very healthy. 
There were horrible fungal growths that shot out within the last few weeks that came up under the bark. 
I cleaned it all off the base of the tree. 
It's probably more than double the height of the house and has huge branches, it slightly leans toward the house. If it suddenly snapped at the base it would remove part of the house without doubt. 

Sounds like you need to get a reputable local tree surgeon in to have a look, fairly soon. They shouldn't mind dropping by to give you an opinion on how urgent the situation is.

Whereabouts are you?

[Silverhooker]

I have to agree time to get a professional in and get it down.

I assume Tulip is decent timber and you could get it milled and made in to something nice.

[nepia]

The milling aspect depends on any colouration within which can be spectacular; one US name for it is Rainbow Poplar.

If there isn't good colouration boards are bland to put it mildly; I have a dozen or so of them and will probably use them one day as shelves in my shed.

 

Unless someone wants them that is... 🤭