I think you need a lawyer.

"Dudes" aren't likely to have insurance, but if they were acting on her instructions, she may be liable, & her homeowners insurance policy should pay you for your damage.

I wish you the best.

Isn't this about the time they say don't prune oak trees because of oak wilt? I think for sure you should plug it and put some pruning paint on it. We don't normally use pruning paint, but then we don't prune (stupid dudes) our red oak in the middle of summer either!
If you can't reach the damaged area yourself easily, I'd get your neighbor to get her dudes back out there to repair it.....then again, maybe you shouldn't. No telling what else they might do.

Thanks guys. I'm just going to have to call an aborist. This cut is about 15' off the ground. I was planning to call one anyway, to look at another oak tree in the front that is growing into the power lines. But I was hoping to wait til the end of summer...b/c YES this is exactly when all the experts say DO NOT PRUNE the oaks due to oak wilt. I'm so mad. And all this from my hippie neighbor who won't weed anything b/c she doesn't want to 'kill' anything. gawd. These greasers she hired had no business out there. They didn't prune anything. Just cut down as many trees as they could in the creek bed. Left tons and tons of dead wood up in the trees. Just a piss poor excuse for a pruning job. sorry...I'm just really mad that anyone would waste their money on this kind of work.

maden theshade,
I sympathize. We lost a 100 year old American elm because a neighbor (and former friend) and his idiot father-in-law "pruned" the tree to protect a shabby tin shed.
Get a licensed arborist out to look at your tree as soon as possible, and send your neighbor a registered letter saying that you reserve the right to sue for damage/loss of a valuable tree. Get the arborist's opinion and estimate of costs in writing.
Licenses and training should be required before buying a chain saw.

The arborist would also know if you have any complaints you could take to the city. If the creek is in a storm water or flood zone, you might be able to get the city to require removal of debris such as dead limbs that would present a future flood hazard.

That is terrible, madentheshade!! Trees are totally impossible to really replace and these jerks have put your tree at risk. You have every right to be angry. It makes me mad just to hear about it!!! I hope your tree will be OK. Good luck,

Debby

So I had an aborist come by this past week. Cuz get this, a week after the butchering job...some branches on another leader of that tree just up and died.

I specifically had the aborist look at all that and asked him if the stress of the cutting could have caused the wilting and dying limbs on the other leader. (This tree has three leaders all connected at the ground.) He said it would be really hard to say that the cutting caused the damage. Because we also lost that other large tree last summer, these branches were accustomed to getting shade and now they don't. So he said that lost shade combined with the sudden heatwave could be causing those branches to die back.

And unfortunately, the arborist said the cut should have been painted immediately to help protect the cut in this high heat. He said that since over six hours have passed since the cut was made, there is nothing else to do. The damage has been done. He said the hole did not need to be plugged. I thought leaving it open would speed up damage from bugs and water, but he said it wouldn't.

So we'll see how the tree does this summer. I am keeping that area watered. The company the aborist works for will be pruning some other trees for me. I'm going to be sure and sing their praises to all my neighbors. You know, the quote I got was soooo reasonable and includes all cleanup. Plus the work is done under the supervision of a Master Arborist. There's just no reason to call up some lackey. I'll bet she paid more than what I'll pay.

A few thoughts to think about when pruning.
1. The nitidid beetle is not active during the hottest part of the year (over 90 degrees regularly). So it is suggested by Texas A&M to do oak tree pruning if needed in July and August or after freezing weather and before the end of Feburary. These are the dormant times for the beetle and the trees are not in active growth so the sap is not flowing.
2. The painting of wounds is to have the sap not flow which attracts the beetle from up to a mile away.BTW white latex paint is as good or better for this purpose especially in the summer for sealing and protecting the wound than the standard black tree sealing paints used. A thin coat is all that is needed (more is not better). A hole should never be filled as this will expand and contract with weather (cooling and heating) and will inhibit the wound from drying out which promotes rotting. In some cases a hole is drilled below the hole to promote drainage if the hole tends to fill with water and hold it. The drilling is done in such a way as to drain the excess water.
3. Painting of tree cuts is done for one main reason and this is to keep the sap that is flowing during growth cycles from being exposed to air and attractting the beetle. This is typically spring and fall in most of Texas. So this is the time pruning of oaks should be avoided except in cases of storm damage. Then seal the wound as soon as possible.
4. The exposure of the bark of a tree to lots of sun suddenly like this situation can cause sun-scald and a white wash with lime and water or white latex paint diluted by half will help prevent this. Yes it looks unnatural for a while but in a few years or less will wash away. Sun-scald can kill a trunk or branch of a tree but is often only a problem on thinner barked limbs or younger trees. But if it happens the damage done often will not show for months later and can not be cured after the fact.
5. Caring for a tree is part science and part art. A good arborist not only knows the most current science but understands the natural beauty that a properly pruned tree needs to keep it natural growth looking well and growing properly. For eons trees have grown without any help from man and have thrived. Pruning is a man-made concept that often is not needed or desired but when it is, hire the best you can find. Heritage trees are a long term investment and should be given due consideration as such.
5. There are way too many hacks and ignorant tree trimmers and homeowners out there so be informed and protect your investment in yours and your trees future.
6. One of the best authorities on the planet about tree care and growth is Alex Shigo. Beg, borrow (not steal:) one of his many books on the subject so you are informed and ready to act in case you ever need to prune or have someone prune a tree for you. The best defense is a good offense.
7. Take pictures of the damage done so as to document any current or future problems in the case that this needs to go to court! Also consider an written affidavit from your licensed arborist as to the potential of harm and any recommended actions taken and their associated costs. These are not to be be construed as legal advise but common sense so if you should need to take further action in this matter you are ready.
Good luck and Happy Growing David.