Absolutely they can be reinvigorated. Topdressing just scratches the surface lol of what the soil needs. I often fracture subsoil 2'+ deep and blast in compost etc. to deepen soil volume and increase drainage.
Pruning uses a lot less gear than removals. But I'm always happy to hear of other pruners who raise their rates, and whose market recognizes their value.
Birdholes may be unrelated to insects. Sapsuckers are attracted to bulging areas where there is more and sweeter ... sap.
Failure seems unlikely but I agree about bracing and/or cabling.
Well thanks; tons of respect for Ed with young trees (esp. live oaks!) and Jim with planting.
Save the day lol; too often the day is about done when I get to a tree! But we do what we can.
Daniel's skeptical but he'sgot a ton of pruning stuff on his youtube channel; judge for yourself.
Nick, I've seen Lindsey's stuff presented in person as well as this webinar. I guess my fundamental issue is the approach to pruning's purpose being to solve problems. Consistent with defect-oriented TRAQ assessments, instead of objective inspections. I look at pruning as building structure...
To be fair, Ed's background was researching young tree care. He has come a long way in recommending management of mature trees. I agree with a lot of his approach, though I come from the old school structural pruning of Henry Davis and Jochen Pfisterer, et al.
Here's a bunch of videos on...
Glad there were no casualties, aside from the tree. There's a world of difference between the fungal spread in your pic and the codit in the OP. Really disappointed in UMass' cya recommendation.
Ben, the fuses tell the whole story. The smaller gauge works. Nothing personal.
Early spring? Why so long? btw I notified US standard folks about your report. They'll probably look at any changes and respond accordingly. I'm off the committee but they have tried to coordinate with NFPA in...
Where are these for sale? Manufacturer does not reply to emails and they are really hard to find. Only WEsspur had them last time I checked and they jacked up the already-high price so i got pist and did not buy from them.
Was it the second section from the end? I have bent 2 of those.. LightningStik is super light for use in the tree but really hard to find. Only WEsspur had them last time I checked and they jacked up the price so i got pist and did not buy from them.
I was going to guess Nectria. I have seen (rarely) similar patterns on oaks where the infection did not seem to advance much but the tree could not fully compartmentalize. Kind of a standoff.
Be concerned only if limbs are overextended (sticking way out) and even then respond with a light...
When trunks get bleeding lesions I specify a drench with Calcium. I saw this paper: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17731713/ by Dr. Kevin Smith.
Am I crazy?
You should do something different--keep the kids in during windstorms, and consider local professionals who might be willing to barter with you if you have something to trade.