Hen of the Woods

[marlinspiker]

I have a fairly remarkable Red Oak that has been colonized by Hen of the Woods fungi. The canopy is still healthy enough although construction damage is fairly evident. The tree is at the rear of the yard and near a childrens play area. I am going to recommend immediate removal or a slow staged removal over several years to maximize the ecological benefit of such a massive specimen. The targets are movable and fencing could be put in place to keep folks at a safe distance. Has anyone ever tried such a staged removal? How aggressive is this type of fungal growth.? How much time do you think we have to work with? Any info would be greatly appreciated.


thanks

 

[RopeShield]

I have been working on a very large lightening strike Red Oak over 10 yrs now. Next year it will be mainly a spar with a few 18" diameter limbs with sprouts.
I am sure the tree will be there for ever if it is managed.
Test pull and mitigate accordingly.

Same with A White Oak 6'Dbh that at its end was left with two 24" limb with sprouting.
HO wanted it removed completely didn't like the way it looked.
The alba could have lived on for ever.

Pruning will always be a good biz decision
and seems to always leave the HO with a positive feeling opposed to the grieving process of removing a veteran tree.
I always emphasis the grieving process because most times at the end of the removal the HO's feel terrible and wish they had of pruned instead.
Thats my experience.
Best of luck!

 

[MR_TEA]

slow down.... before you break out the 90 ton...

hen of the woods is a moderately slow, white rot. i would recomend a full inspection, hazard tree work up, and resistograph test, if you have one. This tree could be safe and healthy for years why prune or remove a Veteran Tree if you dont have to? plus the preservation route will make you more money$$