When the Bough Breaks

We have a variety of oak trees here on the Gulf Coast and with the beauty, the natural bird habitats, and the shade, come a few hazards, especially after a series of rain and wind storms like we've recently experienced this month.  Several of our own oak trees, a pin oak in particular, have dropped broken branches of varying sizes in the past two weeks.

Althought oaks have some ability to heal themsleves without intervention, older, sometimes more brittle trees may not be able to overcome more than a small crack.  If you do see a small crack, try trimming away some bark to help it heal.  Of course, if the structural integrity of the limb is compromised, it is time to grab your saw.  But, if you are confident that the limb is not a safety hazard should it fall, you can try cutting away about an inch of bark on all sides of the crack with a sharp knife, and peeling the bark off.  If you are uncertain as to the extent of the damage, press down gently on the limb from above to determine whether or not the limb can/should be saved.

With large cracks that cause branches to dip lower than normal or splits that go all the way through the limb, the safest thing to do is to remove the limb. The tree is unlikely to heal large cracks or splits before the weight of the limb causes it to fall, which can damage the tree as well as objects below, such as your house.  If you are comfortable with the DIY approach, use a handsaw or chainsaw, depending on the size of the limb, first cutting off the limb just outside the crack or split. This removes the heaviest weight of the limb, which helps you saw through the limb safely. Pin oak limbs typically have a high number of smaller limbs jutting out from all angles, so you might need to cut off some of the side branches to get a clean cut on the damaged one. Cut the damaged limb again just inside the crack, removing the cracked section. Finally, cut the limb just above the joint with the trunk or another limb to completely remove it.  Need a less hands-on solution?  Call in a tree expert.  Tree surgeons are less expensive than trip to the emergency room!

Finding small branches and larger limbs after rains can indicate a tree in distress.  It's definitely time to call in an expert in this case, to access the overall health of the tree.  Many experts advise skipping the wound repair tars and salves which can further damage the tree systemically or in some cases attract insects.

Your healthy oak trees are a green asset to the value of your home.  With minimal care and occasional professional pruning, they will provide many years of natural beauty for your real property.