Bark disturbance on Oak

[whizzkid96]

Hi all, hopefully posted this in the right place. 

 

Just wondered if anyone knew what causes this on Oak. The bark is cracking and slightly blackened. 

 

Wondered if it was early signs of honey fungus or root damage. Be grateful for any thoughts. 

 

Many thanks, 

J

[openspaceman]

probably fire damage

[whizzkid96]

Not had any fires sited next to it, saw a similar bark issue on an oak in a really isolated position this week too. 

 

I did wonder if it was just the natural expansion of the stem but it seems odd the old bark cracking off like that. 

[Stubby]

1 minute ago, whizzkid96 said:

Not had any fires sited next to it

That you know of ...

[Khriss]

I'd investigate that little bugger in the left corner, cannot see well inuf from pic, k

[Puffingbilly413]

What's the site history?  Background looks like there's been a fair bit of activity, so soil compaction and root damage could be an issue, esp if there's been plant about.  That said, I've not seen this specific reaction before.

[Stubby]

Its in decline I would say but that can take years to complete .

Edited March 15, 2022 by Stubby

[whizzkid96]

11 minutes ago, Stubby said:

That you know of ...

True, I'm open to the idea but I know the customers fairly well and it's unlikely from what I know of the site. 

 

As I said I've seen a similar blackening of bark on a survey on another tree well into a woodland with no sign of human activity.

[Stubby]

Just now, whizzkid96 said:

True, I'm open to the idea but I know the customers fairly well and it's unlikely from what I know of the site. 

 

As I said I've seen a similar blackening of bark on a survey on another tree well into a woodland with no sign of human activity.

Bleeding canker ?

[whizzkid96]

3 minutes ago, Puffingbilly413 said:

What's the site history?  Background looks like there's been a fair bit of activity, so soil compaction and root damage could be an issue, esp if there's been plant about.  That said, I've not seen this specific reaction before.

Unfortunately they've in the last month had some pretty hard landscaping done that has caused some other more obvious root damage. The bark was like this prior to the work taking place though. 

 

It definitely isn't going to help in the long term and the trees are protected so that may get interesting 🤦‍♂️