I have several Huge Oaks in my yard. The County Extension Service has estimated the age of one of the trees at 250 years. This tree, up until the last year has thrived. In the last this year a large spot on the trunk - about 6 feet from the ground - has begun to decay. The bark is now forming a protective layer around the decaying part. I have lost 3 of these magnificient trees in the last twenty years and I don't want to lose this one. Do you have any suggestions? Is there any way to prevent further damage? Thanks, David Lyle - Auburn, Georgia.

Reply to post by David Lyle, on March 07, 2000 at 12:51:43:

David,

It sounds like you need someone to examine the tree who can determine what is the specific cause of the decaying spot. I would suggest that you contact the American Society of Consulting Arborist (301) 947-0483 for a referral or contact the University of Georgia which has a respected urban and community forestry program. The university may be able to refer you to a certified arborist in your area who has pathology experiance.

Sudden appearance of decay on the trunk of a thriving tree is usually an exception. The causes behind the visible symptoms are often complex and have been active for a very long time. There may be signs visible that an expert would recognize that will help to determin what conditions have caused the tree to be subject to decay at this time and at the location you specified. These sound like very significant trees; get some on-site professional help.

Wayne