Trees are a beautiful and essential part of any landscape, but they need regular inspections to ensure they remain healthy and safe. Today, let’s take a closer look at a cherry bark oak, a native red oak species in Louisiana, and what its condition tells us about tree health and safety.
A customer recently called for an inspection of a cherry bark oak that had visible mushroom growth on its trunk. Fungal growth, especially mushrooms, is a red flag for arborists because it often indicates internal decay. Trees don’t naturally grow mushrooms, so when they appear, it’s a sign that something isn’t right.
Another notable issue on this tree was the presence of wrinkled bark, which signals that the tree is trying to heal itself. The wrinkles form as new tissue attempts to close off a dead section of the tree, creating a visible separation between the living and dead portions of the trunk.
This particular cherry bark oak is a co-dominant stem tree, meaning it has two main stems growing together. While one stem still shows signs of life, the other is mostly dead. Because of its large size—standing around 70 to 75 feet tall—it’s crucial to assess the risk it poses. In this case, the tree is in an open area with no immediate targets, meaning it doesn’t currently pose a major threat. However, because people maintain the property and mow the grass nearby, removal is the safest option.
Regular tree inspections by a qualified arborist can prevent property damage and safety hazards. A trained professional can:
Identify tree species and their common risks
Detect signs of decay, disease, and structural weaknesses
Assess whether a tree should be treated, pruned, or removed
Provide expert recommendations to maintain tree health
If you have a tree that looks questionable, don’t wait until it becomes a problem. An experienced arborist can help you make the right call.
