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Oak Tree Preservation
Name: Connie
Location: N/A
Country: N/A
Date: N/A
Question:
We have recently purchased some property to build our
home. The focal point of the property is a huge live oak, probably 100+
years old. The diameter of the trunk is approximately 3.5-4 feet. We
have noticed areas on the trunk where the bark appears to be
deteriorating and flakes off easily. We are worried that the tree may
have some type of disease or infestation. What is the best way to
determine this? The tree itself (foliage, etc.) otherwise looks
healthy. We do not want to lose such a beautiful tree and would like to
do whatever it takes to protect it and ensure it's health. Any
information you could give us will certainly be appreciated. The
property is located in south Mobile County, Alabama. Do you know if the
Forestry or Agriculture agencies provide any assistance in this
area? Thanks for your help.
Replies:
Dear Connie,
You might want to contact your local agricultural extension:
http://www.ag.auburn.edu/aaes/aaestat/aaes.html
http://www.ag.auburn.edu/aaes/
Sincerely,
Anthony R. Brach, Ph.D.
Connie,
Without actually seeing the tree, my best recommendation would simply be to
do what you can to promote the tree's vigor. You can visit a local garden
area or call your county extension agent (in the county pages in your phone
book) to find which conditions best suit the species. A local university or
city library might have a book on tree silvics, or silviculture, which could
provide useful information to you. The best bet would be in not loving the
tree to death....sometimes interference can be as bad as neglect. Finally,
you should be able to contact tree experts in your area for their
recommendations; get a few recommendations to consider before you act.
Good luck; thanks for using NEWTON!
Dr. Rupnik
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Update: June 2012
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