Hello again Sue:

As promised some more pics.

I should add that I have not seen any insects on the tree, nor have squirrels been chewing on the bark—until last year it was a huge producer of acorns.

Thanks again,

Eugene

Sue:

Thank you very much for the reply.  I have attached a few pics and will send a second email with more as these exceed the space limits

I have answered your questions below—in the body of your email.

Thank you.

Eugene

Sue—I just sent my reply again. I had sent it on Friday.

Eugene

Hello Sue:

I am trying again with my pictures and answers to your questions. See below.

Eugene

Sue:

Here’s the rest of the pics I sent last week.

Eugene

Hello Sue:

After I added the pictures you requested I wonder if you have any thoughts on steps I can take to assist my oak tree?

Thanks,

Eugene

Hello Sara:

Thanks for the follow up.

Here are my answers to the questions.

Would you please tell us more about your water supply and your watering plan?

Answer: While we cut back on sprinkler water time, I have been running a hose around the drip line once a week.

When did you notice the symptoms of stress? Any changes in the environment of the tree—perhaps new construction or landscaping? English oak seem to have low adaptability to change: https://extension.colostate.edu/topic-areas/yard-garden/protecting-trees-during-construction-7-420/

Answer: In 2022 we did major landscaping across our front and backyards. We replaced lots of grass with mainly low water perennials from the Garden-In-A-Box. The grass under the oak was removed and replaced with weed barrier and mulch. We also added some large rocks. Instead of watering grass we cut back on the water around the oak, and some other trees. The first symptoms began last summer (2023) with some leaf die-off, especially around the top. We had a tree company remove the ”dead” (I assumed they were dead) branches. The die off has continued into this year.

Unfortunately the landscapers did not think to tell us that these changes might damage even a relatively mature tree. ☹And of course, I never thought to ask.

In short there’s been substantial change around the tree.

Our question now is whether there is anything we can do to protect the tree as is?

Thanks again,

Eugene

Sara:

Thank you very much. I will amend how we water and hope for the best.

Eugene