How do you think this hickory will do long term?

[JayArbor]

I think it's pignut hickory. The young shagbark in the forest here look different.

Anyhow, this area once had 2 oaks that were cut down. We moved in and I never bothered maintaining the open land and I'm invasives (barberry, multiflora rose, honeysuckle) spread and grew 6-10 feet over 5 or so years.

This line tree was growing above the shrubs. I'm hoping it will stick around since it's decent size (20 feet).

But I'm worried about the crack/hole at the base. It had barberry growing right on its root flare too.

Also, a skid steer drove through to clear the area.

Anyhow, you think it'll do okay?

 

[ATH]

I'd keep it!

 

[JayArbor]

I'd keep it!

For sure going to keep it. I hope it lives 100+ years but don't know if should be planning for or planting a replacement close by?

I don't want to fill this area with lots of tree, one large shade tree in center here and smaller, understory trees, shrubs, etc. Elsewhere.

I like hickories so hope this survivor sticks with me!

But curious what you and others think of the damage on the base.

 

[TNTreeHugger]

I noticed that.
Looks like it's growing in a bog - is there usually a lot of standing water in that area?

 

[JayArbor]

I noticed that.
Looks like it's growing in a bog - is there usually a lot of standing water in that area?

The area does get run off and this tree is close to what I suspect was a seasonal stream. It ultimately grades away completely. Those puddles I think are, in part, because the skid steer compacted the ground. There were 3 large oaks here (2 were growing within 10 feet of another) so those gone also leaves more water.

I'll be digging the stream in so that nothing sticks around here.