Large Live Tree Oak Tree Appears To Be Failing. What Should I Do? Should I Use Fertilizer?

Question

There is a large mature live oak in my yard that appears to be under stress and not looking healthy. Just had two dead limbs removed and the tree man told me I should fertilize the tree. As the picture shows, there is a raised area at that used to have hundreds of small sucker branches sticking up which I removed about 2 years ago. This raised area at the base did not exist until I allowed the leaves to accumulate at the base over a course of may years. Questions: should I attempt to remove the raised area at the base which is now just comprised of many roots? Should I fertilize and is so how and what type? How about a growth regulator such as poaclobutrazol? thanks

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Answer 1

The problem with any aging Oak is that they will, eventually, begin to fall apart. This will be an unstoppable process, once it begins.

With that being said, and with it being dangerously close to a house, I would have it removed, professionally.

The suckers at the base indicate that the tree is under quite a bit of stress. Removing that protective mound that it has created for itself will likely cause the tree to die faster.

I am afraid that you are left with a situation in which your next moves will need to be executed carefully.

I would recommend having a professional from your local extension service to come out and assess the situation. This link will help you to find the closest to you:

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/extension-search