Live Oak tree with some obvious problems

[SquirrelCutter]

I called Howard about this tree one time, and he gave me the same advice I'll get now, I'm sure.

I noticed a bird pecking on my tree one day. Every time I walked by that window for the rest of the weekend I saw him out there. Peterson's suggests it is probably a Ladder-back woodpecker, based on putting my binocs on him. There are little holes like this all over this tree, probably 300 or more, you couldn't count them all.



Howard suggested this tree is in distress, probably root bound I guess. Are these "circling and girdling roots?"



Because they looked pretty much like that to me. I don't know what to do about them. The ground around this particular tree is definitely more sloped up toward the trunk than any others on my property. I'm gonna either have to get somebody out or figure out how to do this myself. I have a sharpshooter and a couple of shovels, but that's about it. No air spade, for sure.

She who makes the rules says I can't spend any money on it, but I might cheat if I can figure out how to float something under the radar. Any advice is appreciated. The tree seems normal to me, otherwise. I have not fertilized in the two years I have lived here but the soil seems to be healty, it is sure full of big old fat juicy worms.


Thanx in advance,
Chuck

[Tricky Grama]

Those sure look like girdling roots to me. Hopefully someone w/more smarts will chime in.

After chiding others about root flare, etc, I REALLY looked at some of my trees & found a couple w/girdling roots, little flare. :oops: Having no $$ for an arborist, I cut the girdling ones myself-veeeery carefully. Also carefully scraped away the dirt to expose the flare. You can do it!!

We've had enuf rain this summer so the ground shouldn't be 'cement'. Used your gloved hand, I had to use a small hand held rake but you have to be soooo carefull w/that so as not to hurt the bark.

Good luck-
Patty

[Tricky Grama]

PS-then do the sick tree treatment! Find it in the library on the home page.