Sudden limb drop in Pin Oak - Ask Extension
What info do you have on this new development in Pin Oaks? I need some help with a tree that is threatening life and property. It has already dropped ...
Knowledgebase
Sudden limb drop in Pin Oak #869128
Asked May 19, 2024, 4:14 PM EDT
What info do you have on this new development in Pin Oaks? I need some help with a tree that is threatening life and property. It has already dropped an enormous branch 2 years ago in a heat wave as have several others in the same neighborhood. No one is talking about this.
Multnomah County Oregon
Expert Response
That is a very difficult problem. The drought and increased temperatures have been affecting trees all thru the region. For pin oak, it is a non-native oak that comes from a region of the country where there is more summer rainfall. It may be that your pin oaks need some watering in later summer and early fall, but it could be due to some other factors, like wood decay fungi. If you don't think this can be solved with summer watering, you may want to have the trees examined by a certified arborist. Google, ISA Certified Arborist in you area to get a list of arborists. PS. ISA stands for International Society for Arboriculture.
Hi Extension,
Thanks very much for responding. The Pin Oaks in question are not owned by me but by the City of Portland. They have gotten huge and are several feet in circumference and perhaps 100 feet tall with huge canopies.
I think summer watering is not practical and really the age and size of these trees are the problem as they have grown too big for the safety of people, cars and buildings near them. They will predictably drop their lower limbs after only a few hot dry days to reduce their water needs.
There are many planted in my tiny neighborhood of Lair Hill, just south of downtown Portland. I'm trying to get the City to understand what a danger they are. I hope you will include Pin Oaks in a safety program for the new extreme summer climate here.
Anna Gadsby
4204 SW Hamilton Terrace
Portland OR 97239
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Wow, I expect these trees are inspected by City of Portland arborists. And I agree, watering large trees is not very practical.
I would suggest contacting the city Arborist/urban foresters. https://www.portland.gov/trees
and
Manager of Portland's urban forest
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I hope they can help.
I would suggest contacting the city Arborist/urban foresters. https://www.portland.gov/trees
and
Manager of Portland's urban forest
<personal data hidden>
<personal data hidden>
I hope they can help.
