How long does this tree have???

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stss95

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I believe this is a swamp white oak that's on my property. It was struck by lightning about 10-15 years ago can't remember exactly. About 7 years ago the crown started dying and now where it was struck is really starting to rot out. Yes there are shrooms growing out of it. It's 164" in diameter no idea on the height. How much longer do you think it has? Next question how much will it cost to take down a tree this size?
 

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It might out live all of us, the live tissue necroses from the strike has long ceased. Most likely 164" in circumference not diameter. A few questions. After pruning out the dead upper crown is your house still in range if the tree fails at the stump? What is your threshold of acceptable risk? Would you consider reduction pruning & maintenance over removal?
 
Yes sorry I meant circumference. Ya if it falls it would probably take out half my house. Not sure which direction to go just don't want it falling on my house.
 
If mitigation is not an option & the tree poses an unacceptable risk to you & your home then it's best to remove.

After pruning it would not fail, and could not reach the house even if it did. That rib of woundwood is very strong. Get an arborist who is not selling risk assessment to just prune it. If you're near Champaign or Springfield I'll do it. Mitigation is certainly an option. The tree poses an acceptably infinitesimal risk to you & your home, after pruning. It's best for arborists to specify mitigation before even mentioning the costly removal of a considerable asset.

Does this "the live tissue necroses from the strike has long ceased" mean decay is compartmentalized? or wut?
 
Does a swamp white oak have a completely different leaf shape from a regular white oak????
Have it removed. If you can clean up the mess it will save you some money, a little work in the tree and the rest can be put on the ground. If you can deal with the mess and fix your yard it should be hundreds instead of thousands.
 
...Have it removed. If you can clean up the mess it will save you some money, a little work in the tree and the rest can be put on the ground. If you can deal with the mess and fix your yard it should be hundreds instead of thousands.
Or pruning it would be a couple hundred instead of many, plus you preserve the asset in the tree, which would be appraised in the thousands.

Whenever a tree cutter talks about saving people money by removing their trees, the value of those trees is often ignored, so the math is not really done is it?
 
Or pruning it would be a couple hundred instead of many, plus you preserve the asset in the tree, which would be appraised in the thousands.

Whenever a tree cutter talks about saving people money by removing their trees, the value of those trees is often ignored, so the math is not really done is it?
Just curios tree seer, what would you charge to prune a tree like that chestnut oak? Also how long you figure it would take?
 
Whenever a tree cutter talks about saving people money by removing their trees, the value of those trees is often ignored, so the math is not really done is it?

For trees on private property the "value" of said tree is whatever the owner decides.
If the people want it dead and gone, then the math is really, really simple; $ value of retaining the tree < $ cost of removal.
 
In some situations I agree trees have great value, like if the home is to be sold, but this one seems to be more of a liability, if it were a healthy tree except for some dead limbs then it may have value, but this tree is ugly and damaged. not 1 of 100 people would see any asset here. If pruning is half the cost of removal. then remove the long limbs that make it an issue as well.
 
For trees on private property the economic value of said tree is appraised by a CTLA formula. I agree with Raintree: "It might out live all of us."

If the people want it dead and gone, that's often due to misconceptions. An arborist can and will supply proper information about tree contributions and benefits, give a quote on improving the asset, and not blow 'defects' or nuisances or fears out of proportion.

Then the math is really, really simple; $ value of retaining the tree >>>>>>>> $ cost of removal.

:givebeer:
 
Hello, wow it’s been awhile I didn’t know there were any responses to my post. I still have the tree but it seems to be getting worse, I took a stick and tapped on the rotted out part and it’s pretty hollow in there. I’ll attach some pics. The other tree on the right was a twin but it completely died a few years ago.
 

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Hello, wow it’s been awhile I didn’t know there were any responses to my post. I still have the tree but it seems to be getting worse, I took a stick and tapped on the rotted out part and it’s pretty hollow in there. I’ll attach some pics. The other tree on the right was a twin but it completely died a few years ago.
Reduction would reduce hazard. As far as that rot goes it will continue to rot the heartwood away many oaks are hollow and have thrived longer than I have lived being so. "The question is and always is " Do you want it gone or trimmed, there are arguments valid on each side of the spectrum but its ultimately up to you to decide its fate. It appears you do not have many trees in your yard which can also factor into the decision. Should you decide to keep it, use a good arborist trained in preservation work. It should be postponed now until fall to prevent oak wilt if you decide to keep it. I would also suggest you plant more trees.
 
I at the very least am going to have it trimmed, you say it’s best to wait until fall? Is that even if you just cut all the dead stuff off?
 
I at the very least am going to have it trimmed, you say it’s best to wait until fall? Is that even if you just cut all the dead stuff off?
Yes oak wilt is why and cutting dead still at times there is tissue at the branch union that after exposed attracts bugs carrying the disease. Not sure if wilt is in your area but likely it is.
 
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