Canker?

[ClimbMIT]

Hello,
I came across this tree recently which is a Water Oak (Quercus nigra). At first it appeared as mechanically damage. The history of the tree is vague since the owner is fairly new and noticed nothing unusual besides the pictures. The homeowner did some improper pruning last summer which could be relevant. Also I did find some orange spots at ends of rotten limbs. My first time seeing the tree was in late fall so the leaves already were changing color. Anyone willing to shed some light on what i should do or what they believe it is please do. Thanks!
Here are the pics:

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[ClimbMIT]

More pics:

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[treeseer]

orange/red dots are nectria cinnabarina tend to only grow on dead wood.

the orange tissue around those wounds is reaction wood and very strong. those wounds are indeed infected but it's a seesaw with tree and fungus--does not look hazardous at all.

tree could use maybe 5-10% off to lessen lean. it could deff use help to the roots

 

[Raintree]

In your first pic that canker may have weakened the limb to the point where as I would not feel comfortable if it was over my yard. A good close inspection of all the cankered areas is in order. Judgement prune to reduce weight or remove limbs as needed for the safety of the HO.

 

[ClimbMIT]

orange/red dots are nectria cinnabarina tend to only grow on dead wood.

the orange tissue around those wounds is reaction wood and very strong. those wounds are indeed infected but it's a seesaw with tree and fungus--does not look hazardous at all.

tree could use maybe 5-10% off to lessen lean. it could deff use help to the roots

Thanks for the response. What's interesting is that under every lateral branch there is damage to underneath the limbs about 6"- 8" past the branch collar. Also on the all the vertical limbs same fungus. At least I know it is strong now. I couldn't get a shot of all it without climbing.

 

[ClimbMIT]

In your first pic that canker may have weakened the limb to the point where as I would not feel comfortable if it was over my yard. A good close inspection of all the cankered areas is in order. Judgement prune to reduce weight or remove limbs as needed for the safety of the HO.

That's what I told him and showed him how to make the proper cuts. I would like to do the pruning for him if he will pay? Lol he is a friend but business is business. I originally was going to suggest taking out the two lowest limbs until I started looking at the canker on almost every branch. Thanks for posting!

 

[treeseer]

Removing limbs is guaranteed to increase the risk of adjacent limbs, and the entire tree. Every time. Reducing the sprawl reconfigures the crown and makes the overall tree safer.

If there is any doubt about the strength of any one limb, test it by pulling or bouncing on it. (gradually)

If we don't look for strengths as well as weaknesses in trees, they all tend to look like firewood.

 

[ClimbMIT]

Thanks Treeser! sounds like good advice and simple too. I have made that mistake a few times recently: blushing! Recommended a removal because of week limbs or excess deadwood and after I cut into it the wood looked almost perfect. Of course I honestly always offer the option of pruning. I don't want to be hack I want to offer sound advice and options to my clients.

 

[ClimbMIT]

Removing limbs is guaranteed to increase the risk of adjacent limbs, and the entire tree. Every time. Reducing the sprawl reconfigures the crown and makes the overall tree safer.

Are you referring to reduction cuts so the limbs aren't so long? Also if the pruning cuts are made near the canker will the canker have a way to enter the tree in these places? Thanks again!

 

[Urban Forester]

Also if the pruning cuts are made near the canker will the canker have a way to enter the tree in these places? Thanks again!

Is it possible, yes. Is it likely, no. Nectria is not a virulant fungus. It is slow moving and mostly opportunistic, it is a saprophyte on dead wood. On stressed trees it can become a weak parasite. This infection is most likely stress related, therefore "Treeseer's" advice is accurate. Canopy reduction will reduce energy expenditure therefore increase storage of vital carbs/sugars that the tree can then re-direct to defense mechanisms and callus tissue allowing the tree to compartmentalize and reduce the liklihood that the ascospores that are released by the fruiting structures will "find a home". Reduce stress factors, and while there may be some "disfiguring" associated with the disease, I doubt this fungus will have the ability to kill this tree.

 

[treeseer]

Is it possible, yes. Is it likely, no. Nectria is not a virulant fungus. It is slow moving and mostly opportunistic, it is a saprophyte on dead wood. On stressed trees it can become a weak parasite. This infection is most likely stress related, therefore "Treeseer's" advice is accurate. Canopy reduction will reduce energy expenditure therefore increase storage of vital carbs/sugars that the tree can then re-direct to defense mechanisms and callus tissue allowing the tree to compartmentalize and reduce the liklihood that the ascospores that are released by the fruiting structures will "find a home". Reduce stress factors, and while there may be some "disfiguring" associated with the disease, I doubt this fungus will have the ability to kill this tree.

the strange thing is these kind of cankers seldom produce a fruiting body. Calling them Nectria is something of a guess. Shigo made it but it is still a guess. but i agree it's a sluggish pathogen, easy to monitor.

o and this is unrelated to the N cinnabarina orange dots that were described--that was my guess. :confused2: