Live Oak in California showing some bad signs

[Blue Oaks]

My brother asked if I knew any arborists!!!! Oh boy, do I!

He pointed this out when we were at my folks' house earlier today. Dad planted this one about 30 years ago and it's about 16" MBH. Is it a goner? Asking for a brother...

 

[Jed1124]

It looks like the grade was changed or the tree was planted way too deep to begin with. Trunk wood does not do well with soil piled up against it and there is most likely root girdling.

 

[Jed1124]

You could try to excavate down and expose the root flare but the long term prognosis is not good.

 

[Blue Oaks]

Thanks. I think there was some fill dirt put along there at some point. That fence right behind it is on a two foot tall retaining wall IIRC. It's a nice tree, but not critical for the landscape. There are several very nice Live and Valley Oaks around the property as well.

 

[Seachaser]

Cut it or nature will.

 

[Blue Oaks]

Well my dad wasn't ready to throw in the towel on the tree. He claims he saved another one with the same problem, but it was much younger. Anyway, a dose of a shot of chlorodane, a cup of bleach, and a gallon of water and we've treated it. Dad says by next St. Patrick's Day it'll be healed. We'll see. I love how dad keeps the good chemicals around for just such an occasion.