oak management advice

[tree_beard]

One of the few oaks at a property i look after, and closest to the house itself...

 

Roots disturbed on 3 sides at various times in the past. Thick wire included in the bark at the base of the tree. Some large deadwood in the lower crown. Lean over driveway towards outbuilding (to the right of the drive in first pic).

 

Retention and retrenchment is the name of the game...

 

My initial thoughts 10-15% reduction of the uppermost crown (basically 2meters off the top) with coronets and fracture prunes (to hopefully stimulate some growth in the lower and inner canopy). Perhaps a tad more reduction on the driveway side of the tree. Reduction of the large dead limb over the drive (but retaining as much as possible).

 

Have another look in ten years and reduce further...

 

Thoughts?

Edited March 27, 2011 by tree_beard

[treedave]

Is it showing signs of decline?

 

If it needs something, I'd go for a reduction of the top crown over the drive (Pic 1 splits 2 ways at 2/3 height, the right of the two).

As for the large deadwood, have you tried pull testing it (rope over 2/3, to 3/4 way out and two guys bounce it), see if anything wags off or it breaks. If it can hold 2 guys yarding on, I doubt its gonna fall off anytime soon.

Other than that, if it looks sick this summer, re-assess, if not, it'll probably out last most of us.