Big red oak, Jack O Lantern Decay

20160914_095619_HDR.webp 20160914_095504-1.webp 20160914_095704.webp 20160914_095518.webp Here's some pics of the lean and old cuts made over the house that same direction.
Mushrooms gone at this point20160914_095619_HDR.webp 20160914_095619_HDR.webp
 
Well we know which way the tree will collapse! We already know that wood is 10X stronger in tension than compression so I would be very concerned about investigating the tension side roots.

I am also a bit concerned about the crown, is it in decline? Looks a little thin and anemic to me.

Stop the fertilizer! The tree is covered in blue-grey lichens that are considered nitrogen pigs and good indicators of excess. This may be significant as there is some belief that, at least for Armillaria, excess nitrogen can switch decay modes and send a fungi into a feeding frenzy.
 
"there is some belief that, at least for Armillaria, excess nitrogen can switch decay modes and send a fungi into a feeding frenzy."
Positively--and a lot of evidence that N feeds and speeds the spread of other fungi.

Really unfortunate amputations of lower limbs did not help the situation. I know it's harder to climb to the tips, but that's where the leverage is.
 
I've never fertilized this tree but there have been quite a few cooks making the soup on this property.
Found out today that the owners dont want to me to investigate further and will go forward with the previous TRAQ's assessment.
I'm on record verbally and written, in duplicate mind you, that I feel the tree presents potential high risk and further assessment is needed.
Sigh.
 
I am really curious, did the TRAQ assessment consist of anything more than a visual inspection?

Why did you even offer a second opinion? Were they not happy with the first?
 
Visual inspection, told them it would stand for years.
Insaw the lean and the mushrooms, thought it warranted and closer and more thorough look.
 
Well if (s)he said it will stand for years that is not TRAQ. That comment is thrown off the cuff.

I have no faith in an off the cuff comment. We do not know at this point if the Jacks are decaying the tree alone or some buried organic matter. We do not know the extent and depth of decay and most importantly we do not know if the roots have been compromised.

That being said I do not know if the initial person made a comment or filled out the TRAQ form, also we don't know about payment.
 
Well if (s)he said it will stand for years that is not TRAQ. That comment is thrown off the cuff...That being said I do not know if the initial person made a comment...

Bingo. What we are hearing is 2nd-party hearsay. Just because you see fungi does not mean high risk. Both opinions are unqualified, given the lack of inspection.
And whichever cook put the poison giraffe pruning into the management soup should not be allowed to use sharp tools.
 
Well if (s)he said it will stand for years that is not TRAQ. That comment is thrown off the cuff...That being said I do not know if the initial person made a comment...

Bingo. What we are hearing is 2nd-party hearsay. Just because you see fungi does not mean high risk. Both opinions are unqualified, given the lack of inspection.
And whichever cook put the poison giraffe pruning into the management soup should not be allowed to use sharp tools.
 
At this point, I'll email them some contact info for some local RCAs with my emphasis on further investigation.
Such is life.
I was originally there to investigate some off color European hornbeams and ended up with more PHC work out of it. We shall see.
 

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