Knowledgebase

Bur Oak Tree Thinning #867576

Asked May 08, 2024, 1:15 PM EDT

Hello - I recently purchased (2020) a home in the country. This home site used to be an old farm stead. It has a gravel driveway that wraps around a very nice bur oak tree. This tree has always appeared to be thininng since I have purchased the property. There are no large dead branches on it but every branch has smaller dead twigs on it. Very consitant througout the tree. I got so worried about it this year that I actually planted some seedlings around it thinking it would eventually die and there was nothing I could do for it. While planting the seedlings it appears there was about 8" of topsoil added around the base of the tree in about a 10' diameter circle probably by the previous owner. I am thinking this is the cause of the tree thinning. My question is, would it pay to remove this topsoil around the the base of the tree at this point? Or would I be doing more harm than good in doing this?

Morrison County Minnesota

Expert Response

Hi Mike,

Removing that soil from around the trunk is a good idea. Tree roots should never be covered.

If possible, lower the soil until the root flare is exposed. This is where the trunk widens as it enters the ground.

This may not be the only issue with the tree. Oaks are our most important tree for wildlife but are having serious problems, mainly because of environmental stress and the diseases and bugs that attack those trees when they're weak.

This page will help you with clues about what else may be going on:

https://apps.extension.umn.edu/garden/diagnose/plant/deciduous/oak/

I'd encourage you to watch this excellent video presentation from the DNR's forest health program coordinator. Oaks are the trees he mentions most, and he says diagnosing problems right now is difficult because the trees face so many challenges. The video is an hour long but if you want to cut to the chase on what homeowners can do, go to minute 45. (A clue about his message: if it’s dry, you MUST water.)


Thanks for thinking of this impressive tree! I hope this information helps.
MJ Replied May 10, 2024, 7:34 AM EDT

Loading ...