Large oak with cracked limb - Ask Extension
We have a large beautiful oak (we are not sure, but believe that it is a red oak) that we baby, only trimming it in the winter to prevent disease. Ove...
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Large oak with cracked limb #875228
Asked June 29, 2024, 12:16 PM EDT
We have a large beautiful oak (we are not sure, but believe that it is a red oak) that we baby, only trimming it in the winter to prevent disease. Overnight a large limb cracked over our driveway. It will have to be removed, but we want to do this is the safest way possible. What is the safest way possible? And who should do this work?
Oakland County Michigan
Expert Response
Because oak trees should not be pruned before July 15 and removing a broken limb will need to be carefully done to avoid oak wilt, the best thing to do is to consult a certified arborist. An arborist is a certified and generally insured expert in trees and their problems. He or she can examine your tree and make recommendations regarding the health of the tree and any needed judicial pruning. Hiring a certified arborist will ensure that you are getting a knowledgeable and qualified tree specialist.
You can find a certified arborist in your area here:
http://www.treesaregood.org/
Click on "Find an Arborist" at the top of the page; then click on United States from the pull-down menu. Then enter your State and City. This should bring up a list of certified arborists nearest to you. Or you may be able to locate one under "Tree Services" in your local Yellow Pages.
Every tree and situation is a little different and in this case, an on-site arborist is the safest and most effective way to remove a large limb.
You can find a certified arborist in your area here:
http://www.treesaregood.org/
Click on "Find an Arborist" at the top of the page; then click on United States from the pull-down menu. Then enter your State and City. This should bring up a list of certified arborists nearest to you. Or you may be able to locate one under "Tree Services" in your local Yellow Pages.
Every tree and situation is a little different and in this case, an on-site arborist is the safest and most effective way to remove a large limb.
Marie, the link below will give you some research-based information regarding oak wilt:
https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/we-can-all-help-prevent-oak-wilt
Thank you for being concerned about this fatal oak disease.
https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/we-can-all-help-prevent-oak-wilt
Thank you for being concerned about this fatal oak disease.
My apologies, Frank...my previous message is addressed to "Marie." She assigned this question to me, and I accidentally picked up her name rather than yours. Good luck with you tree!
