"I have an oak tree between my shed and home and it looks like part of it is damaged. We really don't want to remove the tree because we like the shade. What other options are there?"
Ms. Doris off of Lee Rd brings up a question that is quite common. Due to the nature of the question, it is important to note that I haven't seen the tree nor have any additional information other than the question above to reference. The simple answer is to call a licensed arborist for an evaluation of the tree and consider their recommendations. With that being said, the expanded answer below is a generalization and should not be used to make any decisions on hazardous trees. Always consult an arborist.
Laminated or included bark as well as external stressors (construction, storm, infestations, etc) are often associated with tree failure. Trees are living organisms and they get old just like us. Being compartmentalized (which is a good topic for another week), they 'self prune' meaning when a limb or segment of the tree is no longer viable, it will redirect nutrients and that limb will be eliminated. There are two main considerations when considering what to do with a hazardous tree; risk and value. How much risk are you willing to accept and the inherent value of the tree determines what viable options there are to ponder. How close is the tree to a structure, do you park under the tree, do kids swing under the tree, how much of the tree is damaged, how significant is the tree, can it be replaced, etc.
Obviously removal of the tree eliminates all of the risk, utility pruning will reduce a significant portion of the risk but there's that chance the tree can fail in the future. How likely is the pruned tree to fail, what will it impact, how large are the branches if they do impact a structure. This brings us around to tree support systems, of which there are four variations recognized by the International Society of Arboriculture; cabling, bracing, guying, and propping.
Cabling can be done with either steel or fiber ropes that are installed between branches in the canopy of a tree. Bracing uses threaded rods installed through individual branches of a tree or the trunk, common on codominant stems such as live oaks. Guying uses cables, fiber rope, or webbing to secure a portion of the tree to an external anchor. Propping uses rigid support structures installed below the branch to support the weight, commonly found on old live oaks. All four of these systems give an arborist tools to mitigate risk and leave the tree in place. These techniques work by minimizing movement of branches, leaders, or the entire tree.
Support systems have limited service life and should be inspected at regular intervals by a licensed arborist. The arborist should inform you of the limitations of support systems, determine a timetable for inspecting the systems, and make sure you understand that support systems reduce but do not eliminate risk associated with tree failure.
If you are in need of an Arborist please give us a call at 985-839-2637.
If you have a question, email it to us at
onecallsawworks@gmail.com or mail it to
One Call Saw Works, P.O. Box 427,
Franklinton, LA 70438.
