Our 200 year old pin oak just lost a major limb, evidence of carpenter ants and some rot. Aside from the hazard pruning suggested by a local tree service, they are also suggesting a problem with nutrients and recommends "intraveneous injection" treatment. Any info about the treatment would be helpful.

Reply to post by Marsha, on June 28, 2000 at 21:06:21:

Marsha: What kind of hazourd pruning are these guys planning?
When someone want to inject nutrients (probably fertilizer),I
would get suspicious.The amount of fertilizer needed to benefit
a 200 year would tree would be tremendious.I
don't think it would be feasible through injection
especialy with the damage they would do drilling
holes in the tree trunk.I am assuming they are
referring to micro-injection.
There is a reason you lost your large limb.
Have you been given any reason for the limb drop?
Here in NJ we have have big problem with X.Fastidiosa.A fatal
disease which causes early leaf drop and eventual
death of the Pin Oak.This disease requires a lab test to be certain,as
it mimicks environmental distress,ie:leaf scorch,browning of leaves,and the most common
symtom,red streaks along the leaf veins.
I would seek the opinion of a tree expert before any drills or cuts
on your 200 year old oak.