Help please

[Treehelp81]

Hello everyone,

 

please help me here. I think this is an oak tree? Well over 100 years old and absolutely massive.

 

is it at risk of dying or falling over anytime soon?

 

should I worry about the base of the tree being black? 
 

any general tips? 
 

thanks!

[Squaredy]

6 hours ago, Treehelp81 said:

Hello everyone,

 

please help me here. I think this is an oak tree? Well over 100 years old and absolutely massive.

 

is it at risk of dying or falling over anytime soon?

 

should I worry about the base of the tree being black? 
 

any general tips? 
 

thanks!

Well you can’t see the leaves close enough in the picture to confirm if it is an oak.  The general form looks nothing like native UK oak trees.  Am I right I’m guessing that this tree is not in the UK?

[dumper]

The shape of the outbuilding gives location as USA ?

[Treehelp81]

Midwest United States.

 

acorns fall from the tree sometimes 

[Steven P]

10 hours ago, Oldfeller said:

Is it just me who thinks it a little odd, somebody four and a half thousand miles away decides,,

"I need some advice on the lifespan and stability of a tree,

I know, I'll join an arborist forum in the uk and ask them.

 

So instead of spewing insults at the OP for daring to live in the US and seeking out knowledgeable professionals to give a bit of advice, why not help them out?

[Excels1or]

10 hours ago, Oldfeller said:

you'll like it here we have lots of fans of your President, hell, one fella even  fantasizes about what's in his pants.

Bit much. Pipe down

[Oldfeller]

19 minutes ago, Steven P said:

 

So instead of spewing insults at the OP for daring to live in the US and seeking out knowledgeable professionals to give a bit of advice, why not help them out?

Seriously!!!,, where did I insult the op? 

my comment was questioning why this forum was chosen,  there are some very knowledgeable aborists/tree experts in the US. 

as for the rest ,, well you got some neck considering you insult the potus at every opportunity. 

its possible that may upset the op more than anything I said here.

 

[Oldfeller]

@ Treehelp81

I'll ask you directly,as I'm curious, what made you choose this forum for advice?

and while it's a little difficult to assess from such a distance, you may find this helpful. although I would refer to a fellow countryman for a more accurate opinion.

A blackening at the base of an oak tree can be caused by several factors, including fungal infections like Phytophthora rot or Armillaria root rot, or even a build-up of sooty mold due to insect activity. Acute oak decline can also cause bleeding lesions and stem rot. 

 

Here's a more detailed look:

 

1. Phytophthora Rot: This fungal disease often causes black staining on the trunk and can lead to tree dieback. Trees weakened by drought or injury are more susceptible. 

 

2. Acute Oak Decline: This disease manifests as black, fluid-filled lesions on the stem, caused by a combination of bacteria. 

 

3. Armillaria Root Rot: While the damage is mostly below ground, signs like dieback and mushrooms at the base can indicate this disease. Thick, black fungal strands might also be visible. 

 

4. Sooty Mold: Aphids and other insects can secrete honeydew, which then allows sooty mold to grow, creating a black appearance on the tree. 

 

5. Other Fungal Infections: Various other fungi can also cause blackening or discoloration of the bark. 

 

What to do:

• Consult an arborist:

  If you're concerned about the health of your oak tree, it's best to consult with a certified arborist for proper diagnosis and treatment. 

   
• Improve air circulation:

  Pruning infected branches and removing debris can help improve air circulation and reduce fungal growth. 

   
• Consider fungicides:

  In some cases, fungicides can be effective, especially if cultural methods aren't sufficient. 

   
• Be cautious with fertilizers:

  Avoid fertilizing, as some fungi thrive on nitrogen. 

   
• Address insect infestations:

  If sooty mold is present due to insects, you may need to treat the tree for the insects. 

   

  this is from a quick google search.

[tree-fancier123]

20 hours ago, Treehelp81 said:

is it at risk of dying or falling over anytime soon?

 

should I worry about the base of the tree being black? 

In the autumn you can check all around the base of the tree for fungal brackets, if you really want to investigate you can pay for a PICUS test or similar, will be able to detect the amount of decay in the base of the trunk

As its US, here is a link to one of the long established US forums (if you ask there it has a tree care and health section)

https://www.masterblasterhome.com/

 

If the tree is infected by October you should see fruiting bodies around the base e.g

 

below is an image of inside a tree trunk - an expensive service, but may give you peace of mind

[Oldfeller]

Is it just me who thinks it a little odd, somebody four and a half thousand miles away decides,,

"I need some advice on the lifespan and stability of a tree,

I know, I'll join an arborist forum in the uk and ask them.

[Oldfeller]

you'll like it here we have lots of fans of your President, hell, one fella even  fantasizes about what's in his pants.