Looked like a good tree. bummer

It sure opened up things.

Any plans for a replacement?

Look at the stains near the cambium. Are those a result of the disease? My area is often an oakwood w/intruders, and do see some areas where oak wilt is taking a toll, more so on the black oak side.

PS A fine white pine there. A nice forest one near me, at least 100 ft.

Appears to have had a bad case of borers. They tend to amass around the base of the tree.

Funny how well they can grow even with an infestation.

Better to cut down the tree now than wait for a storm to do it for you in an unpredictable way.

Especially being so close to the drive.

Not cheap to do so I'll bet.

A good spot for a large pot to sit for a while.

It was a large, beautiful tree, and we were despondent for a day or two after it was gone. It was about seventy-five years. It completely defoliated shortly after I had it treated for wilt last year, and failed to fully leaf out this spring. An arborist looked at it and said there was too little crown left to make it viable.

I had it treated every three years for oak wilt, but the Plant Disease Clinic Report from the University of Minnesota said it was two-lined chestnut borer that did it in.

I was surprised that the area under this tree is not more sunny now that it's gone. The large pine and red maple block much of the morning sun, and it's wooded to the south & west of it.

I'm not sure about planting anything to replace it. I did plant a Witchhazel nearby three years ago. We've been gardening under the oak the past four years, and I don't want to even think our hobby contributed to its demise. That's too painful.

Oh my goodness, traumatic failure in aesthetic qualities. I had no idea! Life goes merrily along and I thought all was good in the garden. What a disappointment to learn I’m seriously Viburnum deficient. It makes me feel ill.

If anyone cares to offer a replacement tree suggestion, I’d welcome it. I’ve never tried Parrotia, but this might be the time to test it. Sure, it can’t compete with the grandeur of Viburnum, but the few I’ve seen in arboreta have drawn me in. It might also make for nice symetry with the Hamamellis growing nearby. Anyone have experience with Parrotia (Persian Ironwood)?

Here's one Parrotia persica I've come to admire...

I'd get rid of the wretched domicile, which would give this plant room to spread its wings. Meanwhile, dress the site up with some exquisite Viburnum selections to tide you over during the grieving period. Then, everybody wins!

Wretched domicile? I’m almost afraid to ask…

Nice Parrotia, but I can see why Vanessa has become popular. Any idea how old it is?

If I were a betting man, I'd put that one at 100 - 130 years. It resides grandly at Maymont Park in Richmond VA - part of the original plant collections of the estate of James and Sally Dooley.

I only note that a true tree lover will leave no stone (or foundation) unturned to maximize plant happiness. You still can park a trailer nearby when you come by to visit these treasures.