Native Plants
Q. Who is Mr. Smarty Plants?
A: There are those who suspect Wildflower Center volunteers are the culpable and capable culprits. Yet, others think staff members play some, albeit small, role. You can torture us with your plant questions, but we will never reveal the Green Guru's secret identity.
Did you know you can access the Native Plant Information Network with your web-enabled smartphone?
Ask Mr. Smarty Plants is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.
rate this answer
Thursday - July 14, 2011
From: Salado, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Diseases and Disorders, Trees
Title: Care of a live oak with decay and perhaps fungus on trunk
Answered by: Guy Thompson
QUESTION:
I have a huge live oak on my property in Salado that just lost a very large branch. The branch had decay in the center and also has a variety of bugs in it, espeically since it has been on the ground for a few days now. what can I do for this tree to help it survive. I'm not sure how much rot is in this tree, but can see a darkend vein down one side ? Also, there is a type of white substance on the bark on one side that is hardened and on the ends of bark outcrops or projections. I've never seen anything like it. Otherwise, the tree looks perfectly healthy all leaves green even on the branch that broke off.ANSWER:
Decay in the center of a branch or the center of the tree's trunk involves the heartwood, which is already dead. The important part of the trunk is the cambium, which is the layer a few inches thick (depending on the tree's size) under the bark. That is the living part of the trunk. If your tree's trunk has a cavity filled with soft decayed wood, carefully remove it, making sure not to damage the more solid wood. Until recently it was recommended to fill the cavity with some impervious material like concrete to provide strength to the trunk. That is now thought to be harmful, and experts suggest leaving the cavity unfilled. The darkened vein down one side of your oak should not be treated with wound paint or other material. The white substance on the side of the trunk may be a fungus. This web site will give you information on fungi infesting oak trees. If it appears that your tree does have a fungal infection, Mr. Smarty Plants would recommend that you contact your local county extension agent for help in treatment. Large oaks like yours are too precious to risk losing.
More Diseases and Disorders Questions
Sap oozing from non-native Chinese pistache in San Antonio
September 07, 2011 - I live in San Antonio, and my chinese pistache is exuding copious amounts of a sticky sap from old trim sites and from the trunk itself. The tree is about 12 years old and has been healthy up until no...
view the full question and answer
Problems with October Glory maple tree in Evansville IN
June 10, 2010 - We have a 15 yr. old October Glory maple tree.
2 years ago we had a bad ice storm and this tree was covered with 1/2 to 3/4 " of ice. The tree resembled a chicken wishbone with its limbs touching ...
view the full question and answer
Cotton root rot in Purple Sage, Leucophyllus frutescens
November 09, 2005 - We had three Purple Sage shrubs in our front yard. They did very well for about three years and then this past year they just died. From what I have read they are pretty hardy so we are really stum...
view the full question and answer
Recovery from transplant shock for bougainvillea
July 12, 2007 - I live outside of Phoenix. I just bought a bougainvillea in a large pot. It was doing nicely until I brought it home. I placed it in a sunny spot in my front yard inside of a large volcanic rock that ...
view the full question and answer
Diagnosis of problem with Parsley hawthorn
August 06, 2007 - I have a Crataegus marshallii (Parsley hawthorn) that is about 3 years old. It leafed out this spring and flowered lightly. As the summer has progressed, though, the leaves have been dropping premat...
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |