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Hi there - I'm in the Muskoka region and the township wants a qualified opinion from an Arborist that this tree should be taken down. Before I pay for an Arborist to come on site would like to get this forums opinion. I believe this tree was hit by lighting 5 or 6 years ago.
Hard to tell from a picture, but it looks like a large area of bark has been blown off and there is a big crack up the trunk? That's going to allow decay into the trunk, and the tree is never going to heal over a wound that big. So longer term it's going to fail at some point.
The question then becomes whether it's going to fail on top of anything, or anyone, important.
Because it has obvious problems I'd be getting the arborist's opinion for sure.
What Ianab said.
Hard to tell without seeing more of the exact location and health of the tree and if it may be burned out inside. What damage will it do if it falls on its own accord or is it a hazard as it stands? It looks like it may be along a lake shore and is leaning towards the lake. It might be fallen into the lake for woody debris to support fish habitat.
Best to get the arborist's opinion to determine the trees health and potential longevity.
That tree doesn't look long for this world. I assume you are wanting to keep it, since you are asking. Judging by the lack of limbs on one side there may have been another tree in close proximity until recently.
If it's a danger to the public, remove it. If not a danger why waste public money dropping one tree? Plus, the woodpeckers will love you for leaving it if it's safe to humans is the larger question. They and other critters depend on a forest that has a few snags as this will become soon enough.
I don't see the need for an aborist opinion based on the above?
what is the conduit like pole on the left side of the tree?
Perhaps that is a handle to a hand pole saw. Looks like a couple of limbs may have been cut. That tree is not long for this world, or without a wind may last a long time.
Quote from: doc henderson on June 02, 2021, 12:04:16 PM
what is the conduit like pole on the left side of the tree?
Isn't that a floodlight above it?
Yes, floodlight or camera. That tree is shot. Make for good fishing if it can land in the water without harm.
If that is a floodlight or a camera then that tree is in somebody's yard. It might be a danger to someone if it falls on it's own.
Quote from: kantuckid on June 02, 2021, 10:38:19 AMI don't see the need for an arborist opinion based on the above?
I think he is saying that he MUST have an arborist give an opinion because the township is requesting (requiring) it. I'd say it is pretty clear that tree is not going to get better! Based on what I see as rot, I think the lightening strike was a lot longer then 5 or 6 years ago.
I was thinking the camera was crooked based on the trees in the background. But then the lake is flat. Those trees sure have a lean going on!
If that's the case why are we beating the subject around here? Hire somebody and make the local tree huggers happy?
Well, the tree is rather unhealthy, damaged, likely to suffer from further rot, insect, and woodpecker damage going forward. If it is a hazard to life and/or property, it should absolutely come down.
If the tree is NOT a hazard, it is a marvelous wildlife tree. I've seen similar EWP stay standing and at least partially alive for decades, providing homes for wildlife ranging from wood ducks to martin to eagles, osprey and ravens. I think such trees have a rugged beauty to them, and personally I would keep it. I have several similar trees on my property, they don't make the firewood pile until they tip over.
Its a hazard tree and should be removed.
You don't mention its proximity to houses or property.
An arborist/tree company is the safest and most expensive option.
I had a similar white pine that was stuck by lightning. It ripped a strip down one side like yours. It eventually died and broke off about 15' up.
He may need an arborist opinion so he can take it down. Some of those lake properties have to follow more rules than most.