This is a type of oak tree that has been serviced fairly regularly and looks to be doing well. However over the last few years the bark has been coming off at it’s base, as well as the seepage running down it’s trunk. I’ve noticed ants and have been treating the tree area. Are these issues from ants? I’m concerned because this is a large tree and want to mainly it’s integrity.
You could have tree borer damage. I've included info on that below. Also, information about weeping trees and wood rot.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/tgen/tree-borer-insects.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/tgen/wetwood-bleeding-trees.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/tgen/what-is-wood-rot.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/tgen/repairing-tree-bark-damage.htm
If so, how do I propagate?
Yes, the squirrels do it all the time! Here is how:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/oak/how-to-grow-an-oak-tree.htm
I have purchased 3 Quercus Ilex Pleached Trees, which I intend to grow in pots to form a screen in the front garden where is isn't possible to dig holes to plant in the ground. They are 5 foot tall. Is it possible to grow them in pots, if so what size and what compost/soil? I live in Buckingham, Buckinghamshire, sheltered site, partial shade.
These are not normally cultivated in container due to its large size, but with a large enough container, it can be possible. Make sure that the container is at least 2 times the size of the original container, and size up when trees start to seem rootbound.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/tgen/growing-trees-in-containers.htm
Live in florida
This will, mainly, be any selection of grasses, but there are a few showy plants that can grow there. One will be the Azalea. This article will offer more information:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/oak/planting-under-oak-trees.htm