I have a young oak tree (I believe it's a Texas Red Oak) and noticed a crevice near the base of the trunk. I was wondering if this is normal or a bad sign? Overall, most of the leaves appear healthy, however there are some that are dying, but I think that's from insects. Any advice for this? Thanks!
ChristmT
I have a young oak tree (I believe it's a Texas Red Oak) and noticed a crevice near the base of the trunk. I was wondering if this is normal or a bad sign? Overall, most of the leaves appear healthy, however there are some that are dying, but I think that's from insects. Any advice for this? Thanks!
Oak Tree Health
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- central texas oak tree trees
I have a young oak tree (I believe it's a Texas Red Oak) and noticed a crevice near the base of the trunk. I was wondering if this is normal or a bad sign? Overall, most of the leaves appear healthy, however there are some that are dying, but I think that's from insects. Any advice for this? Thanks!
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It looks like your tree has some sunscald. Not much you can do about it now, but wrapping the tree trunk in winter can help prevent it. It looks like it is healing nicely, though.
To strengthen the tree, I would remove the stakes. Young trees are actually better off without them, and if they are really needed, shouldn't be used after they're in the ground for a year (you can shake the tree at the base to make sure it has rooted). You want the tree to develop resistance to the wind, and a flared trunk at the bottom, which occurs as the tree is forced to build tissue to respond to wind forces. My guess is that taking off the stakes will also strengthen the tree near the scar that is forming. It might be the case that the tree will break if the scar is deep enough, but there's not much you could do about that anyway.
To strengthen the tree, I would remove the stakes. Young trees are actually better off without them, and if they are really needed, shouldn't be used after they're in the ground for a year (you can shake the tree at the base to make sure it has rooted). You want the tree to develop resistance to the wind, and a flared trunk at the bottom, which occurs as the tree is forced to build tissue to respond to wind forces. My guess is that taking off the stakes will also strengthen the tree near the scar that is forming. It might be the case that the tree will break if the scar is deep enough, but there's not much you could do about that anyway.
I've heard from two authoritative sources that staking is not preferred. It's only done in specific circumstances, such as high wind areas or if the roots are really small compared to the canopy. What can happen, however, is that the part of the tree above where the stake is connected (canopy) can grow at a faster rate than the part below the connection (trunk). Then, once the stake is removed, the lower part is too weak to support the canopy, resulting in breakage.
In any case, you can see the maple tree that I planted a few years ago vs. this year (no staking was done).
![Image]()
![Image]()
In any case, you can see the maple tree that I planted a few years ago vs. this year (no staking was done).
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