Whats killing my tree?

[stss95]

I have 2 very large oak trees in my back yard the one started dyeing on the top about 5 years ago and every year it keeps moving down the tree. this is a big tree it is 154" in circumference any ideas on how old this tree is? The tree was struck by lightning about 10 or so years ago caught it right in the middle and burned a line all the way down to the ground. I was also wondering what kind of oak this is exactly.

 

[buzz sawyer]

Looks to me like a Chinkapin Oak. You do mean 154" in circumference, right? That's still a big tree.

That lightning strike may have opened it up to infection or infestation but the lower foliage still looks healthy. I'm sure you'll get some good suggestions from the experts here. The grass also looks healthy right up to the tree - and it's competing with the tree for nutrients. What else is growing around the base? Have you done anything so far?

 

[stss95]

There are just small trees that are growing around the base. I haven't done anything yet is there much that can be done???

here is a pic of the leaves

 

[buzz sawyer]

That's a better shot of the leaves and it still looks like a chinkapin.

What about some photos of the dead areas in the top? Is there any danger of it falling on something? Is there a licensed Arborist in your area? This will probably require first hand examination to see if anything can be done.