TPO Oak Tree Is it Healthy?

[CharlieOak]

Hello, 

We have a large English Oak tree in our garden with a TPO. 
We purchased the property spring last year and noticed on 3/4 branches the leaves turned brown in the spring summer and 2 of the branches ultimately fell from the tree over the winter. The bark has started to become patchy in places and noticed some growth at the base that I don’t recall seeing last year. Is this all normal or would you recommend we have a professional come and carry out a health check on the tree? Previous owners had advised the tree previously had quite a lot of diseased branches a few years ago so permission was given for quite a big reduction. 

[Mick Dempsey]

It doesn’t look good.

Can you take some pictures of the tree in its entirety so we can see the reduction?

[CharlieOak]

Hello,

thank you for responding, more pictures attached. 

[openspaceman]

Poor mutilated old cup rack, I wouldn't be surprised if it turns its toes up.

 

The previous reduction has hidden the symptoms of decline and probably worsened it, I doubt the ganoderma at the base would have killed it but imagine some other pathogens have got in and developed over a fair period.

[Mick Dempsey]

Looks to me like it’s on its way home, the reduction was probably OK’ed by the council as a way of rendering it safer and managing the decline, provide habitat etc.

Just let it do it’s thing, could be decades (or a lot less) before you have to pull the trigger.

[Stubby]

All the above , also , from the pics it looks like the soil around the root plate has been raised ? If so this won't help as the roots need to " breath " somewhat . I tnik it as slowly becoming habitat . Not a bad thing .

[CharlieOak]

Thank you both for your help.

Tree is about 4 metres from mine and my neighbours properties. Is it at any risk of coming down or am I fine to leave it as it is? Is there anything that can be done to eradicate the ganoderma? Google has put the fear in me saying tress with ganodermas are at risk of sudden collapse. 

[CharlieOak]

Hi Stubby, that I don’t know, but highly possible. The original garden was slopped and fully lawned apparently. The previous owners had the garden landscaped creating a large patio with a 1 metre high retaining wall. Tree sits about 1 metre from edge of the wall. 

[Stubby]

3 minutes ago, CharlieOak said:

Hi Stubby, that I don’t know, but highly possible. The original garden was slopped and fully lawned apparently. The previous owners had the garden landscaped creating a large patio with a 1 metre high retaining wall. Tree sits about 1 metre from edge of the wall. 

Mmm . Could be a contributory factor . Don't see any root flare at the bottom . 

[AHPP]

More photos and/or sketch map to show surroundings please. Would also be interested to see the work spec approved for the prune. It’ll be on the planning portal for your council. Search by your address.