You are in FL, so I suppose your Oak tree may be different from those in CA ... however . . .

In our area, with OUR oak trees, planting things which require regular water at their base can spell the beginning of the end for the Oak. Too much water eventually leads to their death from root rot.

So, before you plant ANYTHING there, you might want to consult an arborist regarding the needs of your local oak trees.

I think you will be much happier with the appearance of this tree if you have someone thin and shape it rather than coppice it, since coppicing quickly turns ugly. As for a climber, you will want something vigorous. I don't know if 'Mel's Heritage' is the right rose, but it certainly has the right qualities. You might also want to consider one of the big tea noisettes or climbing teas that are resistant to your Florida nematodes. 'Lamarche' came to my mind but there are many excellent ones to choose from.

Jeri, I did think of that point myself. I grew up in the northeast where it rains regularly, and we never had that problem there. Tree that grow in a year-round rainfall climate would have to be adapted.

I never even heard of oak root fungus until I moved to California 26 years ago.

It obviously depends on what type of oak it is - I would not do anything that drastic without first consulting an arborist.

Jackie

Have you asked the Oak tree?

Yes. For the trimming, find someone who is experienced with oaks. Ask THEM what is the best strategy for the tree, from the point of view of both health and beauty. THEN ask them their opinion of underplanting with a rose.

You are contemplating something that you will deal with for decades. Take the time to do it right.

Hmm, maybe you can kill the tree with over-watering since HOA won't let you cut it down. Don't yell at me, I'm just sayin. Stupid HOA.'s.

Even here in the aridity, oaks which germinate in an irrigated area pick up the beneficial fungi which enable them to process summer water. The problems arise when you begin irrigating an oak which germinated where only winter rains occurred.

I think the oak tree is planted too close to my patio. My house is 10 years old and the root of the oak tree is circling my back porch. That is the reason why I wanted to cut down. I really dont mind if it dies from root rot but I dont think it is going to happen. We had a lot of rain last year, and I planted tomatoes around the base. The oak actually thrived from all that watering....I think it is too late to consult an arborist as I have been "trimming" the lower branches with my pole saw :O

OMG! I must be getting senile. I reread my post and realized that I wrote "cop" when I meant "chop"...

FWIW, I'm afraid it sounds to me more like a case of a new house being planted too close to a venerable old tree.

Yes. I was about to say -- The oak has, very likely, been there a lot longer than the house. You might rather say that the patio was sited too close to the tree.

My grandmother had a maple tree approximately six inches from her front porch. Since the tree, and the porch, coexisted happily for many decades, methinks you probably protest too much. From a northeastern perspective, there is a lot of aboraphobia on Gardenweb. This just sounds like more of it.

Definitely start by asking a qualified arborist if your fears have any justification. The arborist should be someone with lots of letters after their name on their business cards - not the tree equivalent of a mow and blow guy. If such a person agrees that the tree is a threat to the house, then the HOA should agree to have it removed. If this person doesn't, then you should agree that the tree isn't a problem. Coppicing a mature tree is generally a very bad idea for many reasons. One of them being that is makes the tree more likely to fall on the house during a hurricane.

You HOA may agree to let you take down the tree if you agree to plant a new tree of decent size a bit further from your house, even if it is not an actual hazard.

Having said this, I decided long ago that I never want to live where an HOA tells me what I am permitted to do with my own property.

"FWIW, I'm afraid it sounds to me more like a case of a new house being planted too close to a venerable old tree."

You could be right ... lol.

Thank you all for such great comments. I am happy to see that there are many people who care about trees. The oak tree was planted right after the house was built. it is about 10 years old now. I have been planting many fruit trees in the yard, mostly dwarf stock. I will see if the HOA will consider them as replacement for the oak tree. Btw, the oak is infested with white, cottony stuff. Does anyone know what it is? Thanks

Oak should either be maintained in natural size and shape or removed completely. If they will let you grow the rose on it then just do it without whacking off the tree first.

If I remember correctly, you are in Florida? We have an oak that is fast growing and only lives about 40 years, the Laurel Oak. These trees frequently get heart rot and become dangerous as they age. I agree with roseblushlyn. If it's diseased, you'll have two reasons for the HOA to back off.