Tree Problem 10: Huge Oak

Site: Street tree on S side of my street. (NE Portland)

Biases:

+ Truly impressive tree providing an enormous amount of shade.

- Some of the large pruned branches look a little awkward with long residual stumps.

Tree Characteristics

A truly enormous Oak (Quecus rubra(?)) an over-mature tree with a single trunk DBH 60"! Live crown ratio is around 50%.

Tree Health

New foliage seems vigorous. Certainly puts out enough nuts to keep the squirrels busy.

Site Conditions

Street tree with good southern exposure. Level ground, no direct irrigation except in adjacent lawn.

Targets

Houses, cars, power lines.

Tree Defects

Constrained root space by sidewalk (some lifting) and street (roots spilling over curb)Some exposed roots near base.

Hazard Rating

Part most likely to fail: Branch failure. Low failure potential on Huge parts with significant targets for a hazard rating of 1+4+4 = 9.

Hazard Abatement

Corrective pruning: Prune for branch end weight. Inspect for any potential problems. Rationale: This is such an amazing tree that it is definitely worth aggressive preventative maintenance to head off any problems. The geometry of the tree and mass of the branches does not look favorable for cabling.

Other Recommendations

Climb this tree!