Oak tree question… please see pics

2 years ago

last modified: 2 years ago

Hello, we’re thinning a few trees and I’m making some tough decisions.

I know this tree is in the red oak family but I’d love to know the actual species. Some guides indicate northern red, but I thought those leaves were more oval. Scarlet or black maybe?

I cant get any closer to the leaves but I did my best. Also see pics of the trunk and silhouette.

My thinking is to keep a couple of bottom branches for future tire swings, but otherwise limb it up in for a view under the canopy.

Also: What about the way it leans? Would it cause issues later?

EDITED TO ADD:

This oak is growing 4 feet from a sweet birch, which is why it’s leaning. How would the oak respond to cutting the birch? I don't expect it to miraculously straighten up, but would it fill out on that side? I dont mind the lean as long as the tree is sound.

Thank you!

Shannon

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Comments (3)

BillMN-z4a
2 years ago
last modified: 2 years ago
The reason the oak is leaning is because it's competing for sun with the nearby trees and is growing toward the brightest area of the canopy where it gets more sun.

I can't see why it would cause any issues.

You could remove some of the nearest trees to open up more sun for the oak. It will do better with more sun.

As far as branches for a swing, you might have to wait quite a while before the girth of those branches' changes to any great extent.
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beesneeds
2 years ago
In relation to wanting a swing... yes, that's going to be some years yet before that tree is able to support one. Generally, a tree should be at least a foot in diameter of the trunk at the point of mounting to support a tree swing kit on the trunk.. To use a branch, you want the branch to be at least 8" in diameter at three+ feet from the trunk to allow swing space. You don't want the branch to exceed 50% of your trunk diameter, so your trunk needs to be more than a 16" diameter, but bigger than that is preferable.
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bengz6westmd
2 years ago
My guess is scarlet oak. And yes, oaks "opened up" will grow sprouts out of a formerly shaded, branchless area -- just not very fast.