Bark separation on white oak

[Dadatwins]

Looked at a 24" dbh white oak today. A 10'x 12" section of bark from the base up on one side of the tree appears to have separated from the tree. Used a rubber mallet to sound the area and figured out size. There are some loose spots that if peeled off revel solid wood underneath. Wood underneath is gray colored like it is sealing off, not fresh cut looking. Some slime flux running out from different areas along hollow. No other damage to tree and crown looks healthy with good leaf structure. There are some insects nesting in the hollow as evidenced when I was sounding the tree they were coming out. I suspect a past lightning strike may have caused damage. Question is, should I remove this 'dead' lifted bark and allow tree hopefully to close itself up or leave it alone? I am leaning toward removing 'dead' area to allow trunk wood to dry out and get rid of possible insects causing more damage. Sorry no pictures, my camera batteries cranked out, Thanks for any suggestions.

 

[treeseer]

I suspect a past lightning strike may have caused damage.

Possible, but if there's no other damage further up the trunk, improbable imo. Your "tap test" should be done further up, too.

should I remove this 'dead' lifted bark and allow tree hopefully to close itself up or leave it alone? I am leaning toward removing 'dead' area to allow trunk wood to dry out and get rid of possible insects causing more damage.

I would too. Carpenterworms like to feed in these spots, and you don't want them getting started, do you? If the bark is dry and dark it is indeed dead; no need for "quotes". I like to invigorate the roots on the side of the damage, in the hope that it will speed callus formation and closure.

Here's my take on this (regional?)condition, fwiw. the article with pics is here: Gotta go to page 32 from here.... long download http://www.treecareindustry.org/downloads/TCI_Mag_09_04_FULLsm.pdf

As you all know, the mag is free in the USA.

 

[Dadatwins]

Thanks, Guy, good article. I read it when it was delivered but the process that brings that info back up front sometimes gets lost. Descibes symptoms tree is having almost exact. Will try to take some before and after pics if client agrees to make save attempt on tree. Unfortunatly the hack & slash cut-it-now before it falls crew was also lurking about down the street probably laughing at my rubber mallet tap dance.

 

[treeseer]

the hack & slash cut-it-now before it falls crew was also lurking about down the street probably laughing at my rubber mallet tap dance.

Let the urban loggers ; you may laugh best if you laugh last. Some ammo to help a client decide for preservation: print out articles, highlight relevant portions, and give to client, buy brochures like

http://www.treesaregood.com/treecare/tree_benefits.asp and
http://www.treesaregood.com/treecare/tree_values.asp

and do the same. Most clients will go with good information, and respect and refer the tree guy who provdes it. The ones who will go with Chicken Little Tree Service may next be wearing those tinfoil beanies to keep out the evil rays. The fearmongers who push removal sshould go back to cutting the grass.