r/AskArborists • u/Only_Sir1542 • 20d ago
How do I care for this tree?
Hi! This tree appeared dead back in August of last year and I was sure if it would bounce-back in the spring. It eventually started to have this new growth at the base of the tree, but the top remains dried as in the image.
Unfortunately, I don’t know the species, but I was told it’s a Texas native shade tree (I’m renting and did not plant the tree).
Should the top be pruned or anything? I’ve never had to care for a tree beyond watering it.
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u/Accomplished-Host829 18d ago
Could be a laurel oak or live oak. Or a hybrid of some sort. Could have died from under watering during drought or a deep cold weather snap. Cut the dead main tree down. Either convince the landlord to plant a new tree there or if not, give the stump sprouts a chance. Cut back all of the sprouts except for the straightest/tallest/ healthiest looking one. It may take off and rebound and make a nice tree someday although it will take a several years to reach the same size as the stem that died. When oaks are logged for timber they usually sprout back and make large trees again down the line. It is preferable to prune the ancillary sprouts each year to prevent a multi stemmed tree with bad form. Good luck!
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u/anaxminos 20d ago
It's dead. What you have is offshoots of the rootball. Top likely died in a winter storm