Sick oak tree

Question: What would cause 2 big branches of my oak tree to die; do I need to have the entire tree removed?

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied July 20, 2023, 2:38 PM EDT
response: Hi, Rose Can you tell me if you have irrigation running under it? Do you see anything irregular with the base of the trunk? How quickly did this dieoff occur?

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 20, 2023, 2:56 PM EDT
response: No irrigation running under the trunk but I have had an irrigation system installed about 18 months ago that would be under the canopy. The die off I just noticed for the first time a couple of days ago.Sent from Yahoo Mail for iPhoneOn Thursday, July 20, 2023, 1:38 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied July 22, 2023, 4:11 PM EDT
response: Hi, Rose I was able to show the plant pathologist your photo he had an immediate answer.  Going off only the information you provided, his response that it is likely an effect from the 2021 freeze. Can you take photos of the trunk where the limbs come out? Inspect all around and see if you find anything that stands out that could be damage or abnormal growth. Be sure they are in focus and let me know what you find.

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 22, 2023, 4:51 PM EDT
response: I wasn’t sure about sending the original size of the photos but these are original size These are all different angles and from each side and from the top, it really doesn’t look any different to me than the ones that are not dying.There is some ant activity.Sent from Yahoo Mail for iPhoneOn Saturday, July 22, 2023, 3:11 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 22, 2023, 5:22 PM EDT
response: Here is another picture of the trunk of the tree at ground level; the other side does not have those deep indentations ( the last email would not allow me to attach any more pictures because they exceeded the size limit.Sent from Yahoo Mail for iPhoneOn Saturday, July 22, 2023, 3:11 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 27, 2023, 12:05 PM EDT
response: I know y’all are probably really busy; but I wanted to ask if you were able to open the pictures I sent; I sent them in separate emails because the file size was too big.Sent from Yahoo Mail for iPhoneOn Saturday, July 22, 2023, 3:11 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied July 27, 2023, 4:47 PM EDT
response: Hi, Ma'am! These photos seem to confirm freeze damage, but I'm waiting on the pathologist response for a final answer. I should hear back very soon!

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 27, 2023, 5:54 PM EDT
response: Thank you; so you think just cutting the dead limb off?Sent from Yahoo Mail for iPhoneOn Thursday, July 27, 2023, 3:47 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied August 17, 2023, 2:17 PM EDT
response: Hi, Rose Thanks for your patience. I've been in and out of the office. Interestingly, two different pathologists had slightly differing comments on your trees. I'll convey what they said below, but you may want to find a reputable, certified arborist to come take a look. You can find such a professional at treesaregood.org. Just input your zip code and a local list will come up.  They are certified and will be able to help guide you on this... and also establish a baseline, in case more issues occur. The first pathologist stated that the 3rd close up you attached here looks like a remnant of some fungi. As such, the rapid collapse of that branch is not surprising. There have been poor healthy symptoms that have gone on well before the decline.  You can also look try to assess if the vascular system was cut off. For example, if the root ball was affected by a dramatic stress. He has seen an arborvitae collapse after roots were exposed to extreme cold.  The 1st  pic of the base of the tree shows something happening. Could the roots be girdling? The grass is brown around it... was there any herbicide applied? All in all, a certified arborist may be able to assess the situation better. Feel free to update us if they can assist you on site!

responder: The Question Asker Replied August 17, 2023, 2:26 PM EDT
response: Thank you; I have had the affected branches removed; I’ll check with my yard guy; but I seriously doubt that any herbicide has been applied. If it starts to show anymore problems; I’ll contact an arborist.Sent from Yahoo Mail for iPhoneOn Thursday, August 17, 2023, 1:17 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied August 17, 2023, 3:13 PM EDT
response: Ok. Just watch what is happening at the bottom of that tree. You may want a consult since it could mean more issues. They may have advise before the tree declines even more. Good Luck!