What can I do?

Redbull · Nov 11, 2005

This is a Burr Oak at my house. 10 yrs ago, the previous owner raised the grade on my side of the tree by about 1.5 feet. This year, it started to drop it's leaves considerably earlier than normal. If removing some of the dirt is feasible, would it even help? Other than dropping early this year, it's showing no other signs of stress. I will literally shed a tear if this tree has to come down on my watch.

begleytree · Nov 11, 2005

I would doubt that something would affect the tree 10 yrs later. I'd first look at environmental factors, this year here we were in a long drought, and some oaks showed signs of stress, and those dropped their leaves earlier than usual. They also dropped acorn before they were ready (still green and not fully formed)
-Ralph

Redbull · Nov 11, 2005

We were well above avg. for rain here. Acorns were HUGE this year. I'll see if I can find some to take pics of. I don't use any chemicals on my lawn, but the neighbor two house up uses ChemLawn. Don't think that is it though.

Sizzle-Chest · Nov 12, 2005

good lookin tree

jamie · Nov 12, 2005

we get a lot of folk taking out trees like that because they are getting too big (for what) its a nice tree.

did the temp drop? i noticed a lot of hawthorn (crategus) had buds that were bursting the other day, had a bit of a warm spell,.

jamie

Dadatwins · Nov 12, 2005

Soil to the right, with the swing, (cute kid) looks extremely compacted, like it was used as a driveway? Adding soil did not help and seeing results of the damage 10 years later in a tree that size not unusual, it takes that long for the roots to die and the tree to use up its reserves. You may have had above average rainfall, but compacted soil will not allow the water in and all that grass on the other side is taking most of it. Aeration / root feeding and pulling some of that grass and putting mulch instead would be good starting point. Nice looking tree would be a shame to lose. Good luck.

Chronic1 · Nov 12, 2005

Soil does look compacted. I've seen that wreak havoc w/some species. My 2 cents. Good luck.

Redbull · Nov 12, 2005

Since this pic was taken the swing did come down, also, that side is a gravel driveway. I have also started to mulch the turf side of the tree. The gravel side is the neighbors, and the house is for sale. Hopefully, whoever moves in will love this tree as much as I do and will let me try to preserve it. This tree will NOT come out until there is just no other option. When it does a new one is going to be planted in my front yard.

PRUNER 1 · Nov 12, 2005

how long has the gravel been down? ive seen trees die cos of the minerals washing off the imported gravel into the soil and having an adverse effect. just a thought.