Oak Tree Question

[Dejashoot]

I have an oak tree at my house in Sugar Land. The middle top died last year. Since then the rest has taken off. There are some other branches in the center area but no main top. Is it a loss or is there something I can do (or just leave it and see)?

[Mitchell8]

No idea but it looks ugly. I’d fertilize, prune and water more this year and see what it do next year

[RMW]

I’d replace now while small

[Sparkles]

Hard to tell from phone but is that damage on the trunk?
What caused branch to die do you know?


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[db@100]

trim the taller branches to give it some shape. It will fill in.

[Dejashoot]

Hard to tell from phone but is that damage on the trunk?
What caused branch to die do you know?


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No damage to the trunk - crappy picture but that’s the webbing that was used to toe it to the stabilizing stick. This thing doubled in size in a year. I idea why the middle died.

[Sparkles]

Oak Tree Question

No damage to the trunk - crappy picture but that’s the webbing that was used to toe it to the stabilizing stick. This thing doubled in size in a year. I idea why the middle died.

If it was just environmental damage and contained to only the interior branches that died, you can train a branch or two to fill that gap.
It’s canopy looks pretty dense so maybe clean up some of the cross branches, this should help encourage new growth to remaining branches,

Again can’t tell from the pic (not wearing my glasses) is it a live oak?

Edit just read oak in the title [emoji2359]
I’d probably wait until fall at this point to trim and train

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[Katch66]

It will fill in. I would trim some low limbs in the fall or winter so mowing under it is easier.

[Sackett]

There are not many diseases that can affect a Live Oak. When was the tree planted? I would certainly remove the support wire/webbing and posts if still on there. Obviously, with that picture it’s hard to see much. I would definitely prune the tree this fall/winter to promote proper growth and eliminate issues that could affect the tree later.

I am an Arborist and live in Richmond, so if you’d like me to stop by shoot me a text. I am extremely busy right now, but can certainly help out a TBH’er. 832-651-nine686

[bobbaganoosh]

Agree to prune it up and let it grow.
I would also suggest not mounding the mulch around the base of the tree.

[TKRanch]

Start "lifting" now and annually to shape it and give it opportunity to fill in! It will be fine. Just remember to not take more than 20% off at a trimming.

[KIETHSTONE]

Most often I find trees with die back on the top is because they are planted too deep. The stress usually shows up at year three or four. The thick layer of mulch doesn’t help. This can block oxygen to the root zone. Can you dig down the trunk to see how deep the root flare is? Also people tend to forget to remove the tie downs and they strangle the tree as it grows.


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[Bowhica]

Prune it and it will grow. No more than 20% as stated and only a few times a year. When trimming, if you need the tree to grow up, trim the outsides. If you want the tree to expand outward, trim the top.

[Cooper]

Trim most of the branches off the bottom portion of the tree, at least up head high.
It is too low. Walk around it several times shaping it up and then let it be.
It will fill in and shape itself....maybe trim again in a couple of years!!

Don't take it down....it will make a fine tree!!

[breederbuck33]

My Dad had a pretty oak tree break in half during one of the hurricanes. He didn't have the heart to cut it down because it was so pretty before the storm. He kept it pruned, and left it be. It took years, but now it is big and beautiful. You wouldn't know it ever had an issue.