I have what has been described as a gall infestation on my oak tree. Do you have any recommendations?
There are several types of galls that form on oak trees. Crown gall on the tree trunk could be a concern. Some are leaf or twig galls formed by mini-wasps to harbor their larvae. They are normally not damaging to the tree. There are usually no known controls and no real need to control. I don't know the oak varieties and common galls on oaks in your area like I do in my home state of California. But you can get local information through your county and univesity extension service, or from a local arborist.
the leaves on my red oak are turning brown at the edges. My pines trees are also turning brown ... the needles close to the bark,nevertheless its growing well in height and has new growths. Thanks
Brown leafs could be Leaf Scorch.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/oak/xylella-oak-leaf-scorch.htm
The needles on your Pine Tree may also have different causes.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/pine/pine-tree-drying-bottom.htm
I would suggest talking with your County Extension Office. They can help with regional issues with your trees.
I believe I have Orangestriped Oakworms eating the leaves on my pin oak trees. I've been reading about Bt but wonder where I purchase it. Lowe's was no help. Didn't get over to Tractor Supply this evening. Can you tell me what products contain it? I had some Triazicide, and sprayed that on tonight. But can't find the full ingredient list.
Triazide is a pyrethroid insecticide with the active ingredient of gamma-Cyhalothrin and should be very effective for immediate knock down of the caterpillars on contact. If you mixed the solution according to label directions and got good coverage of upper and under side of leaves, the oakworms should be down and out with one application.
If you want to go organic next time, Bt is a biological control with no toxicity except for the target caterpillar pests. Timing is more critical than with the pyrethroid, early stage of development and feeding is best, the caterpillars have to ingest it to become affected. It usually takes a follow up spray to be completely effective. https://www.domyown.com/monterey-bt-insecticide-p-2821.html?sub_id=11262
If your weather has been unusually hot or dry, this may lead to some acorn loss. The tree adjusts the number of acorns to match its energy reserves so that producing fruit/nuts doesn't exhaust the tree just before winter. Any change that stresses the plant will result in more immature drop than usual. Evidently, the red oak family which includes pin oak are rather famous for the number of acorns dropped early some years. Consider having the soil under the dripline tested to see if it is becoming depleted of nutrients. A soil test will give you corrective measures if deficiencies are uncovered.
https://www.stltoday.com/lifestyles/drier-weather-may-cause-spate-of-immature-acorns/article_84d9ba71-ef69-53c8-9f5a-33d2448544cd.html
This is a oak that I recently bought , and I don’t know if this is normal .. please let me know
That is normal. I have seen it on many healthy trees. It is like a wart on the tree. It does not effect its health.
I live in northern Ontario near Sudbury. Thank you
It will be best to let them finish their entire first year in container, if possible. Bring them inside a garage or somewhere cool, but not frozen.
The next season you can plant them out anytime that the weather is mild, and will be for several weeks so that the tree can establish before harsh weather.
If you leave the tree in a container over winter, make sure it is large enough to accommodate growing tree roots. Roots continue to grow until the ground freezes - well past leaf drop. Roots that circle a container due to lack of space are a serious threat to the tree's health as it grows. Trees are subject to animal browsing especially in winter. Mice gnaw at the slender bark while rabbits and deer chew on branches. Make sure to enclose the tree in hardware cloth that is anchored to the ground. Don't prune it for several years as the seedling needs all its leaf surface to push new growth.
Oaks are susceptible to oak wilt disease. To minimize risk, only prune in winter unless there are damaged limbs which should be pruned off right away.
My tree is too tall and I want to cut its height (topping the crown, I think it is called?). When is the best time of year to do it? Can you recommend some strategies on how to top it off? I live in southwestern Ontario (Canada) not far from Toronto. Thank you.
No legitimate arborist will top a tree. It is not healthy for the tree and the results are spectacularly awful. This is particularly true of pyramidal trees. (Use your search engine to check images.)
https://www.treesaregood.org/portals/0/docs/treecare/WhyToppingHurts.pdf
Have a professional arborist, not a landscaper, come over and talk to you about what can be done for your tree. Because oak wilt disease is a significant threat, major pruning should be done in winter.