Both of only two grand valley oaks at work are deteriorating. Sadly, the prognosis for the smaller of the two is not so good.

1. Quercus lobata, valley oak is obviously distressed. It should not start to defoliate until after cool weather later in autumn. Even then, defoliation should be more symmetrical.

2. Upon closer inspection, fluffy and newer interior growth is evidently comprising most of the canopy, while the exterior of the canopy is notably sparse. It is not a new problem.

3. The defoliated portion of the canopy appears to be completely necrotic. No foliage can be seen. If the tree survives, removal of this portion will severely disfigure its symmetry.

4. This significant cavity is developing on the formerly flawless trunk. The interior wood is badly decayed. Sadly, the tree may not live long enough for this to become a concern.

5. Cupressus macrocarpa, Monterey cypress, next to the valley oak, is likely succumbing to cypress bark canker. A few trees have already been removed. It is also a slow process.

6. Meanwhile, in other news, a collared mountain lion was seen on surveillance video in the neighborhood. We all know that they live here, but it is different to actually see one.

Anyone who would like to participate in this meme should peruse this participant guide for Six on Saturday.

14 thoughts on “Six on Saturday: Arborist’s Report”

  2. It is always with a sore heart that I view trees that are decaying, but I remind myself that this has been going on forever. What a great view of that feline, with its collar it must be being monitored. Thanks for sharing this with us. Have a great week. Noelle

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    1. Although death is natural, it will be saddening to lose such a prominent tree if it does not survive. Even if it does, the disfigurement will be saddening. The larger of the two trees is healthy, but structurally deficient. It has dropped huge limbs in the past, and may need to be removed for safety.

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  3. Wow, a mountain lion on video–thanks for sharing! That’s too bad about the tree issues at your work. We lost a mighty Oak in our woodland on New Year’s Day. We figure it was probably at least 100 years old, based on the diameter and the height (80 feet). It’s always sad to see a tree go, whether because of natural aging/progression or human impacts. Thanks for explaining the reasons for the trees’ deterioration.

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    1. Valley oaks commonly live for six centuries or so. This particular specimen is only about a century old. It was young in old pictures. Nonetheless, its deterioration is saddening.

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  4. Sorry about the trees. Is it sort of end of life leading to deteriorating health or environmental stress? Cool about the cougar! I knew someone in college who was an animal behaviorist and he spent summer of 1985 tracking them in southern California, Angeles National Forest and some other areas. He was shocked at how many he saw, though he was studying behavior, not trying to count how many there were.

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    1. The valley oak is likely succumbing to root damage caused by pavement over the area surrounding it. (It did not grow there with the pavement, but the pavement was added after it grew there.) It lived with the pavement for a few decades, but it can take that long for symptoms to develop. The cougar is cool, but is why I do not Rhody roam off leash.

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      1. Ahh. Well, what can a person do. Sometimes pavement is needed, or we can’t really control where things may get paved over, but it is sad to see a mature tree go.

        When I lived in Seattle I had to keep my cat on a leash. She tried to go after an adult racoon once. I was glad she did not slip the harness. I do not think she would have done well in that fight. And then the coyotes. They will snatch a cat in a heartbeat, or a smaller dog. My current cat is terrified of the outdoors unless there is plate glass between her and it.

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      2. The tree was likely considered to be expendable at the time the pavement was installed. Besides, whoever installed the pavement likely did not consider that it could be so unhealthy for the tree.

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      4. The pavement would not have been a problem for the tree if the tree had grown up with it. The tree would have simply dispersed its feeder roots beyond the pavement. It was the change from unpaved to paved that was difficult for it.

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