what to do with this tree?

[kf_tree]

my concern is the middle lead getting choked out and the lack of root system due to the rock out cropping. it needs to be dead wooded. but what else would be wise for the tree.

 

[kf_tree]

pic 2

 

[kf_tree]

pic3

 

[kf_tree]

pic4

 

[kf_tree]

pic5

 

[kf_tree]

pic6

 

[Stumper]

Prune the deadwood of course.It looks like a good candidate for a Cobra (Non-invasive cable installation. The big question is -History? Has the tree spent its whole life growing at the change of grades? (It looks like it has but ask.) If so it is probably okay. If the grade was changed a few years ago then I'd back up and examine things very carefully-Don't want to cable it so that it doesn't fall apart when what it is really going to do is fall over.

 

[kf_tree]

the grade question is a little tough.....it's my house purchased a year ago. the house was built in the 30's so i have to assume the grade change was done when the house was built. i spent all last year working on the house...still not done. now i'm trying to clean up the property a bit.

 

[iain]

what 's the local wind condition main direction ?

 

[treeseer]

NOt sure the middle lead will ever be choked out. Taking it out may create a whole new set of stability issues. Closer pics of the fork would help. Main concern must be entire root system, dripline and beyond. Whatever you can do to increase natural/mulched areas would tend to increase vitality.

 

[kf_tree]

as far as wind conditions good question.........i can't really answer that.

i'll try and post a better pick of the fork in the am. the middle lead is mosly dead wood with just the very top of it is alive. i sometimes catch a woodpecker on it where a dead lead fell off, i'll try and get a pic of that too.


now for the kicker.....i need to put in a new septic system so there will be some soil disturbace near the tree. i have to discuss it with the engineer as to what is the farthest i could put the tank, then show a pic and ask for more opinions. i'm really kind of limited with where i could put the tank because of the rock outcroppings on the property. the house is built right on solid stone on 3 sides.

 

[iain]

it would seem that your head tells you to remove but your heart wants to keeps it

compromise fell this one and replace it with another in a more suitable location

 

[Kneejerk Bombas]

It appears that you have stem girdling rocks. The top is dying back as a result, and I would expect to see more dieback in years to come. Frankly, I don't see stability as an issue. Oak is strong and rot resistant. The problem you will face is as you remove more and more dead, the tree will start to look unnatural and become a removal. This will of course be accelerated if a septic damages roots.
I can't imagine a way to remove the rock, and doing so may cause stability issues, so that's not an option, from what I see.
My advice is to plant a tree as close as possible, and as this tree slowly dies off and is slowly removed over the next several years, the new tree will fill in and be well established by the time you do the final removal of this tree.