What is wrong and how can we treat this 5-6 year oak tree? Located on the shores of lake wrie - Ask Extension
What is wrong and how can we treat 5-6 year old oak tree. On the shores of Lake Erie?
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What is wrong and how can we treat this 5-6 year oak tree? Located on the shores of lake wrie #874122
Asked June 21, 2024, 5:16 PM EDT
What is wrong and how can we treat 5-6 year old oak tree. On the shores of Lake Erie?
Monroe County Michigan
Expert Response
Hello,
This tree appears to be stressed by improper planting depth. You should be able to see the tree trunk widening at ground level, but the root flare here is not visible. This indicates that the tree is planted too deeply. The tree would probably benefit from the removal of the grass and some of the dirt from the top of the root system to allow for more air exchange. Then a thin layer of mulch can be installed around the tree but pulled away from the trunk. This will protect the roots and conserve moisture. Here is an article that discusses trees planted too deeply. https://extension.umd.edu/resource/trees-planted-too-deeply/
If you think you would like to get an arborist to come to the site to help with this, we always recommend an ISA-certified arborist. Find one here: https://www.treesaregood.org/findanarborist
Thank you for contacting Ask Extension.
Ruth
This tree appears to be stressed by improper planting depth. You should be able to see the tree trunk widening at ground level, but the root flare here is not visible. This indicates that the tree is planted too deeply. The tree would probably benefit from the removal of the grass and some of the dirt from the top of the root system to allow for more air exchange. Then a thin layer of mulch can be installed around the tree but pulled away from the trunk. This will protect the roots and conserve moisture. Here is an article that discusses trees planted too deeply. https://extension.umd.edu/resource/trees-planted-too-deeply/
If you think you would like to get an arborist to come to the site to help with this, we always recommend an ISA-certified arborist. Find one here: https://www.treesaregood.org/findanarborist
Thank you for contacting Ask Extension.
Ruth
