My thumb for scale. There is missing bark on my mom’s northern red oak she planted this summer, I am just noticing it while over today. it doesn’t wrap totally around the base but it seems like a big chunk missing, and she just planted it. It was a couple hundred dollars though
by namesurnn
9 Comments
Not enough info to say for sure.
But next time remoce that wooden stake before planting.
Not ideal but I imagine it’ll be fine given all other variables are good (no root girdling, sufficiently watered, mulched appropriately).
Oaks are tough!
*(not an arborist)*
Would wait it out, could very much be fine
Give it a chance, just plant another one or two, trees=👍
Tbh its so young its difficult to say keep an eye on it and if it grows out as the tree ages then forget about it if it looks to be staying the same or getting worse then remove and plants anew.
Not the weed hacker
I would definitely see if the nursery will replace it under whatever guarantee they have. If they won’t, then I would wait and see how it does.
Being so young I’d replace it now. In case it doesn’t get better, you aren’t losing time and allowing a tree with a defect to establish and become harder to remove. In my opinion planting and establishment are a critical part of good vegetation management plan. Tree don’t “heal” or wounds don’t just “grow out they CODIT (Compartmentalization Of Decay In Trees). That defect will always be there internally, even if you don’t see it, and will create included bark, and a “cavity” which can cause a breakout at any time. With the potential size of that tree I wouldn’t start it like that.
I look at it like this. A tree is an organic structure with perceived reliability and stability, based mainly on external observation. If during establishment a structural defect is observed replacement is the best option.
Looks like a brush cutter wound. The tree can handle it. Put some clay on the wounds, and in the soil with compost.