Hornbeam Issue

[Commando]

I have a stand of hornbeam that have all died off or are on their way. All have suffered serious vertical cracking of the main trunk. Trees are about 12yrs old and planted on ground that doesn't dry out too quickly.  Any advice appreciated. Thx Craig

 

[MattyF]

Vertical cracking is the stems drying out after they have died..it would not be the root cause so obviously something has killed them ! 
is the whole plantation dead or just odd trees , is there deer damage or rodent damage on surviving trees? 

[Commando]

49 minutes ago, MattyF said:

Vertical cracking is the stems drying out after they have died..it would not be the root cause so obviously something has killed them ! 
is the whole plantation dead or just odd trees , is there deer damage or rodent damage on surviving trees? 

Thx for the response Matty. It is just the hornbeam along with the ash (dieback) that have died off. There looks like some serious insect damage on the larger stem if you zoom in. There is potential that there has been significant squirrel damage as its a tucked away area and I've not managed the issue at all. Was more interested in the vertical cracks tbh.  Anyway on the upside...it burns well in the WBS and throws out plenty of heat

[slack ma girdle]

The bark beatle chambers that are visible,  makes them easy to identify,  as each beatle has an unique pattern. You will be able to work out whether it was the primary cause of death, or just a secondary opportunist.

[Paul in the woods]

Of all the trees on my woodland hornbeam is the one most likely to be attacked by squirrels. I only had a few trees and they have been the first ones each year to be stripped and most have been killed.

 

I'd guess once the bark has gone the wood has split in the dry weather we've had in the last month or two.

[SJT]

Some seriously good bat habitat there, please check before felling.

[Commando]

2 hours ago, Paul in the woods said:

Of all the trees on my woodland hornbeam is the one most likely to be attacked by squirrels. I only had a few trees and they have been the first ones each year to be stripped and most have been killed.

 

I'd guess once the bark has gone the wood has split in the dry weather we've had in the last month or two.

Was it you that had the tree guards off me few years back Paul?

[Paul in the woods]

15 hours ago, Commando said:

Was it you that had the tree guards off me few years back Paul?

 

Not me, I don't like using tree guards.

 

I can't remember if you're posted up other squirrel damage before though, worth getting their numbers down if you have time.