Is my tree dead? I think it is an acorn tree b/c of the droppings. It is dry, brown & drooping.?

Question

The tree is likely less than 26 years old. We've lived here for 7 yrs. The first few years we had tons of shade & lots of seedling activity (small prickly sprouts) in our lawn. Last few years, not as much shade (tree seems to have thinned out), lots of acorn like nuts- no growth from them, but tons of crows. This year lots of freezes (unusal for our climate) no change in tree for spring- very brown & droopy. Not sure if I should trim or chop...

Answer 1

Well, your tree may not be dead, but it doesn't sound like its doing well. You mentioned the weather being a possible cause of its condition, and I will agree with you on this. We experienced similar freezing temps, also unusual for our area (southern CA) and time of year as well. I have a walnut tree that simply is not sprouting anything this year...all previous years it at least had leaves...this time around there is no sign of life. I haven't given it up for dead yet, however.

You've noticed it thinning out the past few years and you need to figure out what may be the cause. Honestly, I don't think the crows have anything to do with it...they're just taking advantage of the fact the tree branches have easier access with it having less leaves. However, take a look at what’s around the tree...anything else possibly taking it over? Another tree? Possible damage to the roots due to imposing plants or construction? These may be some reasons it isn't doing well.

Going back to the freezing temps, I don't think its enough to "kill" the tree, per say. You mentioned its age...so it seems pretty well established. I my experience with trees and plants, the more years its around, the stronger it is. If crows are using it, it also sounds like its pretty tall. I think you should give it another year or so before really determining whether or not it has a shot at coming back.

One way I like to test if its still alive is to cut a few branches. If they snap off easily and seem dry and dusty, that means the wood is basically dead. If it seems sort of mushy, that could mean its rotting (too much water??) The latter is usually unlikely. If it has some green when you cut it, it still is alive. It simply could be confused about what season it is because of the odd weather. I've had a lot of trees and other plants stay in dormancy longer because the weather got hot in winter, then cold again (fast) and then warm again and these odd weather patterns we've all been experiencing are enough to confuse plants in general about what they should do. Trees, especially nut trees and those that go through seasons, are very used to having defined seasons. If the tree doesn't have that, it could be related to what’s going on with it.

I would suggest trimming it back. Depending on its size and how handy you are, you could do it yourself or get a tree cutting service to do it. There are lots of tips online about how to trim trees properly. I suggest this because I feel like it needs some help and its currently not doing well, so trimming often will help it along or at least give it a boost. The reason for this is the tree will have an easier time growing or repairing the parts it has left after you trim, which is a lot easier than spending its energy on the outer branches or extremities of the tree (the parts you will be trimming) that may not be doing well. I hope this makes sense.

Good luck. Give it a chance to recover....trim it back, and maybe visit a nursery or look online for some tips on how to give "sick" trees a boost....possibly some fertilizer or something specific to ailing trees. There are products out there, you just need to find them. I gave you some links to get started. Hope it helps!! : )

Answer 2

i think you're in the united kingdom and if the tree is super it probable has a TPO ( tree renovation order) on it like those the place my horses are. So cutting it down can not be an determination and you're very constrained as to what pruning you're able to do. ensure you talk over with the proprietors in this as TPOs are taken very heavily. frequently the horses will go away the leaves on my own except they are desparate and there is not any grass. the authentic possibility is selecting up the acorns as they graze. If the tree is the only shelter in the paddock the possibilities are high that there is somewhat little grass under it besides so it is going to be fairly ordinary to circulate around with a bag and in simple terms p.c.. up any acorns you notice. the place i'm there have been horses on the land for sort of one hundred years and none have ever died of acorn poisoning.

Answer 3

If you planted a lawn around it, you could have killed it with over water, and compacting the soil. Oaks need a period of drought for their life cycle. Leave it alone, and it might come back. If in doubt, call someone to look at it..

Answer 4

You've got an OAK tree and if you've had a lot of freezes it's probably just stunted it's spring growth and it'll come back.

Answer 5

It may be dead, just have to wait and see. I may have lost my Grape Vines and I know one large Oak will probably have some damage. By fall you will know what dead and what lived. Just trim off the dead and try to keep good shape.

Answer 6

West coast? May be Oak wilt. Best course would be to call a local certified arborist to come check it out. Might try checking with your local county extension office, they might be able to help.

Answer 7

it takes atleast 5 years for a tree to show stress call an arborist it could have suden oak death if thats the case its got to go and what reagon do you live in ??