ronellis
New Member
Like oak tree of the other poster (solvent), the large oak in my front yard has contracted armillaria. My arborist has recommended removal. I asked about removing soil around the roots adjacent to the trunk to assess the extent of the damage, but he believes that since armillaria is terminal, any treatment would be futile.
I will be seeking a second opinion from another local arborist, but I'd also like the board's feedback on an approach that I'm considering.
First I would like to aerate the root zone and try the organic Sick Tree Treatment developed by Howard Garrett. Details are here: http://www.dirtdoctor.com/view_question.php?id=130
Second, in the spring - after any danger of a freeze, I'd like to have the soil removed from the base of the tree, so that the major roots can be examined to determine the extent of root loss or damage. According to this article: http://cru.cahe.wsu.edu/CEPublications/eb1776/eb1776.html (9th and 10th paragraphs), removing the soil, air-drying the roots, and removing diseased tissue can potentially aid in survival.
Of course, if when the soil is removed, it is apparent that the tree is a hazard, I will proceed with removal.
My questions are:
Is it reasonable to expect that an arborist will be able to evaluate the viability of the root system or the extent of the damage to the root system if the soil is removed?
Does this approach make sense? Do you think it may be effective? Anything you would add? What would you do differently?
Am I wasting my time and money trying to treat armillaria?
My primary goal is to try to save the tree. If that is not possible, I would like to at least delay its demise as long as possible without putting anyone at risk.
Below is a picture of the tree and a picture of the armillaria mushrooms.
Thank you in advance for your opinions and feedback.
I will be seeking a second opinion from another local arborist, but I'd also like the board's feedback on an approach that I'm considering.
First I would like to aerate the root zone and try the organic Sick Tree Treatment developed by Howard Garrett. Details are here: http://www.dirtdoctor.com/view_question.php?id=130
Second, in the spring - after any danger of a freeze, I'd like to have the soil removed from the base of the tree, so that the major roots can be examined to determine the extent of root loss or damage. According to this article: http://cru.cahe.wsu.edu/CEPublications/eb1776/eb1776.html (9th and 10th paragraphs), removing the soil, air-drying the roots, and removing diseased tissue can potentially aid in survival.
Of course, if when the soil is removed, it is apparent that the tree is a hazard, I will proceed with removal.
My questions are:
Is it reasonable to expect that an arborist will be able to evaluate the viability of the root system or the extent of the damage to the root system if the soil is removed?
Does this approach make sense? Do you think it may be effective? Anything you would add? What would you do differently?
Am I wasting my time and money trying to treat armillaria?
My primary goal is to try to save the tree. If that is not possible, I would like to at least delay its demise as long as possible without putting anyone at risk.
Below is a picture of the tree and a picture of the armillaria mushrooms.
Thank you in advance for your opinions and feedback.