Problem with Red Oak

Donna Hunyor · Joined: 29 Apr 2004 Posts: 19 Location: Waco,TX

For the 3rd year in a row, my red oak's leaves look like they are being chewed out in chunks. I have looked for an insect and find the tips of the leaves and sometimes the sides are rolled up, and appear to have a web but I have never seen any insect. Is this something the sick tree treatment will help? I asked the local organic nursery man and he said it probably wouldn't hurt the tree but by the end of the year, the leaves were very obviously so thin, you could see through the tree. The tree has filled out well this year so I don't know if whatever the problem was did go away but I still have a huge amount of damaged leaves.
Second question, on my morning walk, I worry about a huge (8ft or so circumference) oak tree in a yard in which a family who moved in has let a flower bed full of some type of vine take over the trunk and it is now reaching the crown. I thought this would kill the tree and since I don't know this family, I left a friendly note and suggested they might consider removing the vine due to the potential of problems but they never did anything. Every time I walk by, (it's always dark) I want to pull some of the vine down. Is this a problem or should I quit worrying?

sandih · Joined: 04 Apr 2003 Posts: 999 Location: Dallas,TEXAS

I've heard Howard say (I believe) that growing vines on the trunk is ok but do not let it up in the canopy. It's heavy and can prevent needed sunlight from reaching the tree.

Tricky Grama · Posted: Fri May 25, 2007 7:17 am Post subject:

Have no thoughts on the insect but the 'sick tree treatment' couldn't hurt. Do you have a trombone sprayer? Some garrett juice would be good if you can get it up into the tree.

It's funny, isn't it, the way we notice other people's trees now that we know how they should look! I walk by a yard that had to have the water main dug up & the dirt was replaced all over the tree & a good foot up the trunk! I keep waiting to see these people so I can say something but I think I'll take your approach & leave a note.

We had a sycamore that was at least 25 years old & 2' in diameter. English ivy had covered the trunk & began to get into the canopy. I 'heard' you should keep it out of the canopy, so we did but it died anyway. The trunk was covered w/bugs, rot, etc, especially at the base.

I would keep vines away from the flare. I think HG recommends this as well.

Patty

Donna Hunyor · Joined: 29 Apr 2004 Posts: 19 Location: Waco,TX

I see that new leaves are being damaged too; I was hoping it was damage from last year so I will give the Garrett Juice a try. I have had it for a while but good intentions have not worked so far so I will have to try actually using it.

Tricky Grama · Posted: Sat May 26, 2007 7:45 am Post subject:

Do you have a trombone sprayer? Worth their weight in gold. (& nearly that expensive) You probably can't get to the leaves w/o one.

Patty

Donna Hunyor · Joined: 29 Apr 2004 Posts: 19 Location: Waco,TX

I have heard of them but do not know what they look like or where to get one.

sandih · Joined: 04 Apr 2003 Posts: 999 Location: Dallas,TEXAS

go to yahoo or google and do a search.

khwoz · Joined: 10 May 2003 Posts: 772 Location: Weatherford,TX

"HUDSON" is probably the top brand in trombone sprayers. I've seen two sizes; one looks like a long rod (two pieces, one slides on top of other) & a bigger model that has two pistol type grips on the slides. The larger model can reach into taller trees. Along with internet searches, call some of your local garden centers. A lot of stores sell these sprayers.

Tricky Grama · Posted: Wed May 30, 2007 7:13 am Post subject:

Well's Bro.s in Plano has them but I know that doesn't help you in Waco. :) Check your feed stores there.

Patty