Native Plants
Q. Who is Mr. Smarty Plants?
A: There are those who suspect Wildflower Center volunteers are the culpable and capable culprits. Yet, others think staff members play some, albeit small, role. You can torture us with your plant questions, but we will never reveal the Green Guru's secret identity.
Did you know you can access the Native Plant Information Network with your web-enabled smartphone?
Ask Mr. Smarty Plants
Ask Mr. Smarty Plants is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.
rate this answer
Thursday - July 14, 2011
From: Salado, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Diseases and Disorders, Trees
Title: Care of a live oak with decay and perhaps fungus on trunk
Answered by: Guy Thompson
QUESTION:
I have a huge live oak on my property in Salado that just lost a very large branch. The branch had decay in the center and also has a variety of bugs in it, espeically since it has been on the ground for a few days now. what can I do for this tree to help it survive. I'm not sure how much rot is in this tree, but can see a darkend vein down one side ? Also, there is a type of white substance on the bark on one side that is hardened and on the ends of bark outcrops or projections. I've never seen anything like it. Otherwise, the tree looks perfectly healthy all leaves green even on the branch that broke off.ANSWER:
Decay in the center of a branch or the center of the tree's trunk involves the heartwood, which is already dead. The important part of the trunk is the cambium, which is the layer a few inches thick (depending on the tree's size) under the bark. That is the living part of the trunk. If your tree's trunk has a cavity filled with soft decayed wood, carefully remove it, making sure not to damage the more solid wood. Until recently it was recommended to fill the cavity with some impervious material like concrete to provide strength to the trunk. That is now thought to be harmful, and experts suggest leaving the cavity unfilled. The darkened vein down one side of your oak should not be treated with wound paint or other material. The white substance on the side of the trunk may be a fungus. This web site will give you information on fungi infesting oak trees. If it appears that your tree does have a fungal infection, Mr. Smarty Plants would recommend that you contact your local county extension agent for help in treatment. Large oaks like yours are too precious to risk losing.
More Diseases and Disorders Questions
Green cyst-like growths on Texas persimmon leaves
September 20, 2013 - We have a mature Texas persimmon. We just noticed some green cyst-like growths on the tops of some of the leaves. The undersides of those leaves have black spots where the growths are. They looks like...
view the full question and answer
Problems with a Cercis (Redbud)
August 25, 2014 - Half of my redbud tree is pooped out looking. On two places on the bark are areas where a few layers of bark have pulled back. In these areas there are white growths.
view the full question and answer
Loss of blooms in potted plants in Hawaii
November 11, 2007 - My lanai is in strong afternoon sun and no matter what "full sun" plants I try to grow they quickly stop blooming. Plumeria, Hibiscus, Echinacea, even Bougainvillea...they continue to grow but lose...
view the full question and answer
Stem canker or leaf fungus in Morella cerifera
June 14, 2007 - Dear Mr.Smarty Pants:
The upper half of our wax myrtle, which we had allowed (with artful pruning) to reach about ten feet suddenly died this spring (it dropped most of its leaves and didn't sprout...
view the full question and answer
What are the green round growths on the edges of my oak leaves in Fairfax, OK
May 21, 2013 - round growths on the edge of oak leaves. ranging in size from a pearl to a lime. ranging in color from pale green to lime green. hollow, small ones appear to contain one small gnat sized seed. the la...
view the full question and answer
| Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |