Sometimes a dying tree due to hypoxylon canker gives a homeowner a new opportunity to imagine an updated, brighter side yard. Such was the case with this homeowner in northwest San Antonio TX. His Red Oak had created a gloomy yard and reduced natural sunlight inside his home. The motivation to re-imagine his back/side yard landscaping came when the tree contracted Hypoxylon Canker. Canopy Tree Service informed him the tree had an advanced terminal condition. There was no saving it.
Hypoxylon Canker
Hypoxylon Canker is an opportunistic fungus that favors already weakened or diseased trees, said Certified Arborist Lucas Rumancik. This fungus can be found on a healthy tree. It can live there in a symbiotic relationship for years without causing any problems. Once the tree undergoes some type of serious stress, the hypoxylon canker becomes a problem.
Usually there is a triggering event. Examples of stressful tree events are:
1. Unfavorable weather: drought, heat.
2. Soil disturbance: topsoil removal, soil compaction, excavation of root zone.
3. Poor nutrition: this can be caused by competition with other trees.
These triggering events can cause the moisture level in the tree to drop, and this can be deadly for trees according to a prominent Texas university. The Texas A&M University published a comprehensive article on this disease if you would like to learn more. The trees most affected by this Hypoxylon Canker are hardwoods such as oak, elm, pecan or hickory. It is important for homeowners to understand the symptoms of this disease in order to prevent it from spreading and causing further damage to their trees.
Branch dieback, thinning foliage Offer Clues
One of the most common signs of this disease is leaf discoloration. The leaves may turn yellow or brown and begin to wilt or droop. This is due to a fungus that attacks the vascular system of the tree, preventing it from receiving proper nutrients and water. Other symptoms include thinning foliage, premature leaf drop, and dieback of branches.
If you notice any of these signs on your trees, it is crucial to take action immediately. Early detection and treatment of hypoxylon canker can save your trees from permanent damage or even death. Canopy Tree Service is happy to evaluate your tree and provide recommendations. If you would like us to do that, please complete this free evaluation/estimate.
Rigging the Tree Down Piece by Piece
But back to the story of the homeowner’s plans to updating back/side yard. The first step in this transformation was removal of the tree. No easy task. Access to the tree was restricted due to a narrow yard, a concrete fence, a wooden deck, and an AC unit.
“Removing a tree surrounded by numerous potential obstacles is a formidable challenge,” stated Rumancik.” We have to make estimates of the weight of each limb we rig down. We have to predict the exact landing spot and be right about it,” he said. “Also, we have to maintain tension on the ropes. The work requires a great deal of technical expertise. To lower heavy limbs, we use a friction point and a lowering point. This method enables the limbs to descend gradually and deliberately, ensuring control throughout the movement. Each member of the crew must work in unison for success. It takes a lot of physical effort and 100% mental concentration. To counterbalance this, we mandate that our crews take regular rest periods.
During a break, the crew discovered that the owner viewed the loss of his tree to hypoxylon canker as an opportunity to rejuvenate his landscaping. He plans to use the newly created space in his yard for site of an artistic creation. Rather than opting for the trunk’s complete removal, he requested its preservation as a wellspring of artistic inspiration. Without the tree there, the narrow corner of the yard suddenly looked brighter and roomier.
