Need help identifying please, 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:

 

[ClimbMIT]

More pics:

 

[woodchuck357]

If it won't hurt anything if a limb comes down as the photos seem to show

I would not take it down right now if it was in my yard. But I would be planting a replacement tree.

 

[ClimbMIT]

This is for a customer. I was just trying to get a second opinion because had never come across it or least didn't realize I did in the past. Thanks for your post keep them coming.

 

[StrataTree]

I am more familiar with conifers but my first thought was more scar tissue/damage than canker. Seems like a canker would be dripping a bit more. Just a guess.

 

[ClimbMIT]

Thanks for responding.

 

[ch woodchuck]

I am more familiar with conifers but my first thought was more scar tissue/damage than canker. Seems like a canker would be dripping a bit more. Just a guess.

Sounds about right.Appears the tree has grown a callus around the effected areas,which is an indication the tree has the ability to wall off the infected areas.Sometimes weeps are prone to be active in the spring when the sap is rising.What I don't like is the fact the tree is not balanced.All the growth is on the right side..leaning towards the structures.The tree is relatively short-lived compared to other oaks and may live only 60 to 80 years....Might be that tree is on the decline.I'd suggest having it checked for root/heart rot.Better safe than sorry.

 

[ClimbMIT]

Sounds about right.Appears the tree has grown a callus around the effected areas,which is an indication the tree has the ability to wall off the infected areas.Sometimes weeps are prone to be active in the spring when the sap is rising.What I don't like is the fact the tree is not balanced.All the growth is on the right side..leaning towards the structures.The tree is relatively short-lived compared to other oaks and may live only 60 to 80 years....Might be that tree is on the decline.I'd suggest having it checked for root/heart rot.Better safe than sorry.

Thanks for responding woodchuck! In order to check for heart rot would that require drilling into the tree? For the roots should you just probe into a few of those as well? Thanks again.

 

[ch woodchuck]

A wood mallet works.Tapping around the base of the tree from ground level to as high as can be reached...A hollow sound as versus a solid sound would indicate decay/heart rot.Could dig around the root crown/spreading lateral roots looking for soggy roots.Bit of digging involved....Drilling a core through the tree will work ..looking for wet/discolored wood..It also wounds the tree,and may introduce disease pathogens.