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Can I save my tree from dying?
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Can I save my tree from dying?


Hi All,

I noticed today that something is eating the bark of one of the branches of our tree. And because of it the leaves are yellowed and the branch has died. It is also staring to happen to other branches.

Any thoughts on what may be happening and what I can do to save my tree from dying?

Thanks.

by PhotographOk8263

5 Comments

  2. BreezyMcWeasel

    Is the damage in that picture on either the south or west side of the trunk?

  3. skibidigeddon

    This is squirrel damage. Any part of the crown that’s turned brown is probably not coming back.

    Absolutely not oak wilt and I don’t see any indication of another pathogen either.

  4. juliejetson

    I’m guessing squirrel damage. They love chewing on our trees (and the vents on our roofs) to maintain their teeth. My neighbor’s red oak has had similar damage. They aren’t “outdoors” people, so the tree hasn’t had any intervention, and started growing new branches around the girdled area that looked like yours, where it turned brown and died back. I’d guess the newer growth on their tree is likely weaker than the original branches, but you can see the tree recovering.

    If a squirrel or other critter chews the bark/cambium more than 3/4 of the way around a branch, it’s likely girdled and can’t get resources/nutrients from the branches to the roots and vice-versa, so that part of the tree dies.

    Do you see dark brown “veins” in any of the leaves on the tree? Is the damage anywhere else on the tree, besides the branches above that damaged spot? If either of these is ‘yes,’ it *could* be oak wilt, but you’d want an ISA arborist to tell you for sure. Either way, might not be a bad idea to have someone out to determine a healthy pruning plan to encourage strong growth if it rebounds. I recommend /u/austintreeamigos!

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