Interesting Oak

[chris cnc]

My mate showed me this oak last week so I went back today to take some pictures. I thought some of you might be interested...

 

It is a Quercus petraea showing extensive brown rot caused by Laetiporus sulphureus.

 

There is a small cavity in the base, extending less than a meter up the stem.

 

The main, larger cavity starts at around shoulder height, and extends approximately 2 meters up the stem.

 

There are several fracture wounds in the crown which at some point will coalesce into the main cavity (as will the lower cavity).

 

The tree is in the middle of a mixed stand of broadleaves and although sheltered from the wind for the most part, its upper crown does stick out above the other trees.

 

I think the tree would benefit from a reduction to bring the crown down to the same height as the surrounding trees, as well as some deadwood removal in the crown.

 

(I should point out that I am not managing this tree, nor have I been asked to- just want to hear other people's opinions.)

 

[chris cnc]

main cavity... pic three is the view up the stem from inside

[Ian Flatters]

Is it within falling distance/ direction of an active, frequently used footpath or a main road? I would leave it to its own devices in a woodland if there is no or low risk. It holds a lot of value for wildlife in that state and as it falls apart and breaks down it returns itself from wence it came. Nice pics.

[chris cnc]

thanks

 

yes I should have mentioned it is within target distance of a footpath and farm road.

 

Like I said I have nothing to do with the management of this tree, I was just speculating on some "hypothetical remedial work"

 

I know, I need to get a life

[Ian Flatters]

thanks

 

yes I should have mentioned it is within target distance of a footpath and farm road.

 

Like I said I have nothing to do with the management of this tree, I was just speculating on some "hypothetical remedial work"

 

I know, I need to get a life

 

Hypothetical you say.....High explosive fracture prunning then with C4. I'd probably still leave it as the farm track will be a lower usage road unless its the main entrance? im guessing the footpath is on the track too? not a tramac one?

[chris cnc]

Hypothetical you say.....High explosive fracture prunning then with C4. I'd probably still leave it as the farm track will be a lower usage road unless its the main entrance? im guessing the footpath is on the track too? not a tramac one?

 

yes I believe the farm track is low use. The footpath is separate, on the other side of the tree, and is a signposted "public footpath" leading to a nature reserve site. Not sure how frequently it is used as today was only my second visit.

 

This oak is on the opposite side of the path to the ash in my "Inonotus hispidus" thread- so between the two of them, they have things covered!

[Ian Flatters]

Reduce maybe with a bit of fracture pruning not coronets just rip them out to allow epi's to grow.

[Tony Croft aka hamadryad]

This tree is prime bat haven, completley rotted out core via laetiporus sulphereus, DO NOT do anything without considering its place within the local ecology.

[Matthew Arnold]

Leave to do what it like i would say. If it drops a limb or two in strong winds them so be it. It would provide habitat for lots of bats.

[chris cnc]

like I said, this tree has nothing to do with me. but yes, bat habitat and fractures are a good answer to the hypothetical question haha.