Tree Alive?

[robertahbooey]

Hello, I have two oaks in the front that weathered the texas winter storms last month. One is budding, the other is not. I have some pics. Is this tree still alive? I dug into he bark a little and it looks ok to me but I'm not an expert.

https://flic.kr/ps/3WcNje

 

[Raintree]

Be patient, it will tell you soon enough.

 

[Dave1960_Gorge]

Hello, I have two oaks in the front that weathered the texas winter storms last month. One is budding, the other is not. I have some pics. Is this tree still alive? I dug into he bark a little and it looks ok to me but I'm not an expert.

https://flic.kr/ps/3WcNje

What kind of oak? I suppose some southern species might not be frost hardy to zero; overall, oaks are pretty tough, and the freeze happened in late winter, so still dormant and more resistant to damage. Frost damage will look like dieback all over the crown, especially in the direction of the wind when it was coldest. It essentially "freeze dries" the tissue that is less protected. It might be able to sprout from dormant buds on older wood with thicker bark. Don't give up yet.