I have two large Oaks that died last year and another that died two years ago. They will become firewood soon, along with 4 other live trees close to my house. The Oak that died two years ago has been CSS. I have seen a lot of recently dead Oaks on the Second Mountain (South East Pennsylvania) and have heard from other locals of Oaks dying on their properties. I haven't found anyone that has an answer to why they died. I took some pictures of the two on my property along with a few branches that just fell off from the storms coming thru right now. Any ideas what might have killed these Oaks?
We were just talking about this on the bullchitting thread, I don't know if this is your culprit... Officials: Oak-killing disease worse in Indiana than thought
Yes that looks like "the canker". Are you west of or near the Susquehanna River in Pennsylvania? Edit for clarification: the canker doesn't usually kill a tree. It's just an opportunist fungus that likes dead and dying tissue.
I'm east of the Susquehanna by about a 30 to 40 minute drive. Most of the rivers and creeks near me flow into the Susquehanna.
Im betting your close enough for it to possibly be a different fungus that killed them: Ceratocystis fagacearum (oak wilt). The canker likely moved in after. I know that State college there has maintained that oak wilt hasn't been found east of the river, but I've found wilt around me here in Michigan where its said to not be. It's becoming a real problem here in Michigan as well. Here's a little info on it: Stay Alert for Oak Wilt! Edit: looks like the censor thought I was trying to use a disparaging slang name. The second half of the fungus name shouldn't start with "hipster" but f a g
It's here for sure as Barcroftb said. I helped a friend trench around several large Oaks two years ago to try & contain wilt & so far so good. Another killer of good trees whilst the Cottonwood & Willows flourish. Can't we get a Cottonwood or Popple borer & save the good stuff.
Appears I may have to do the same on my property. Did your friend take down the trees? If so what precautions did he take with the wood and stump? I like firewood but I also like the large trees in my yard, the shade and the cooling it provides in the summer.
I'd really recommend finding a certified arborist here: International Society of Arboriculture > For the Public Make sure your trees really are in danger of the wilt before you spend money potentially for no reason.
We took out several to thin the canopy, including two that showed signs of wilt. Trenched around the other near trees with a 3 point trenching tool. So far the wilt hasn't spread. This was done on early February. I also pruned about 20 trees from a lift for him. Also done in winter. The stumps were dug with a backhoe & burned.
If its wilt it's really important to get the trench right. If it's too close to the tree or isn't deep enough, the fungus can break out and then all your hard work is wasted. Usually a rock saw is used to go to a depth of 4-5 feet. A backhoe/excavator is also an option. But the roots are only half the battle. You have to do your best to not wound the trees. Here the active high risk wilt season is between April 15th to July 30th. Then low risk from July 30th to November 1st. So basically no pruning or wounds from April 15th to November 1st. If a wound should occur I've heard of decent results with Neem oil treatment on the wound. It's basically an vegetable based pesticide that encourages the beetles to go elsewhere.
I appreciate all the advice Barcroftb and amateur cutter! I most certainly will look into a certified arborist.
My pleasure Dutch! I've been called the Lorax more than once. I don't mind a bit hanging out here and helping to educate.
