1. Photo Album
by Guy

2. Southern Oak is in the weakest condition, as viewed leafless
Southern Oak is in the weakest condition, as viewed leafless. Many lower limbs shed. Buds sparse in crown.

3. Northern oak has more limbs in midstory
Northern oak has more limbs in midstory. Buds at the top extending upward. Conks of berkeley fungus seen on north side.

4. Bark shedding from benign fungus.

6. MANAGEMENT OPTIONS
Remove up-and-comers like maple, elm, black cherry under canopy.
Use logs for erosion bars on slopes. Use brush for wildlife habitat.
Consider reducing competition from adjacent trees.
Remove privet and other aggressive shrubs. Smother with stones?
Consider mowing and selective smothering of periwinkle etc. Cut deadfall and
place in contact with earth.
Make holes at dripline >1’ deep <3’ apart. Fill with blend of 1. composted leaves
And topsoil with fine roots harvested from a young white oak, 2. expanded
aggregate like Vole-Bloc, 3. soil conditioner made of pine bark and gravel fines,
4. specified fertilizer (no added P unless soil test calls for it).
Install symbiotic shrubs, bulbs and flowers where possible.
Climb when trees are leafed out. Closely inspect and enjoy.