Oak: What to do?

[mike1174]

I have an oak which was hit by lightning 3 years ago. I'm located in NJ and right now the tree is coming into bloom. I'm unsure of what do to with this tree. Either get the dead wood removed, or have the entire tree removed. This tree hasn't had the dead wood removed in over 10 years.

Here are some pictures:

this is a picture of where the lightning first struck at on the top of the tree. You can see where the bark is splitting off:
http://home.comcast.net/~michael1174/T_DSC01647.JPG

this picture of the lightning strike continued along the trunk of the tree:
http://home.comcast.net/~michael1174/T_DSC01646.JPG

this is the other side of the tree where the lightning struck along the trunk. the last two years its been dark brown. but, this year the bark is slightly cracking and it seems like its going to peel off.
http://home.comcast.net/~michael1174/T_DSC01648.JPG

angle shot of tree:
http://home.comcast.net/~michael1174/T_DSC01649.JPG

another angle shot of tree:
http://home.comcast.net/~michael1174/T_DSC01650.JPG

different angle shot of tree:
http://home.comcast.net/~michael1174/T_DSC01651.JPG

another angle shot of tree:
http://home.comcast.net/~michael1174/T_DSC01652.JPG


I want to keep this tree, but if its a big hazard to my house, then I guess it might need to be removed.

Thanks for any comments you may have.

 

[Fordman99]

you should definately remove the dead wood ..other than that the tree appears to be in pretty decent shape

 

[treeseer]

HIre a ceretified arborist to do the below treatments. If Aspen Tree is nearby they are one good option.

1. Aerial inspection. Tap the bark with a mallet to determine whether it is detached from the wood. Measure the detached areas. Probe any cracks in the xylem with a thin instrument to determine the depth.
2. Consider the species’ relative tolerance to lightning strikes, based on its compartmentalization qualities, grain pattern, and genetic vigor.
3. Consider the individual specimen’s vitality, and its location relative to people and property. Assess the risk.

Present treatment options to the owner, providing a prognosis of recovery if the treatments move forward. If the owner decides the risk is acceptable, these steps can be taken:

1. If the strike was less than two days prior, the bark may be reattached if it is still moist inside. Thin bark may move enough if it is wrapped tightly for a few weeks. Thicker bark may be reattached with fasteners such as staples.
2. If the bark cannot be reattached, it should be trimmed—“traced”—back to the point where it is attached to the xylem, so there will be no hollow area as the bark grows over the wound. This applies to all the bark, from the top of the tree down to the buttress roots.
3. The exposed xylem should be treated to repel insects. Reapply as needed
4. The soil around the roots, especially those that carried the current, should be aerated as needed and inoculated with beneficial microorganisms such as mycorrhizal fungi. Any mineral element that is lacking should also be applied
5. Mulch the root system 2-4” with organic material, and irrigate as needed.