I have an oak tree with healthy branches and about 10 dead branches. is there hope?

Question

the tree is approximately 90 years old. i really don't want to cut the tree down.

Answer 1

Remove the dead branches first.  If the branches are all on one side, there could be a disease such as blight. Or root rot.  Only you can tell by looking at the symptoms.

It also depends on what kind of oak you have.  And where you are located.

Unfortunately for trees once we notice something's wrong it's often too late.  Oaks are resilient trees but once stricken die fast.

Answer 2

Unless you're a lumber jack with a super chain saw it's going to cost an arm and a leg. A tree surgeon will be required to remove the dead wood. They don't come for peanuts. Another thing you have to think about is the danger of one of these branches coming down on someone.

Answer 3

90 years old isnt too old for an oak tree so it probably will live.

cut the dead branches and give it some attention to look for signs of dieing

Answer 4

As long as it still has healthy branches, it is still OK.  Most oaks live upwards of 200 years with the record at 1000 years, so dont give up hope.  This tree still has many years to come, so until all of it's branches are gone, it'll be fine.

Answer 5

There is always hope. Get a local tree surgeon or two to take a look at it. Sudden Oak Death is a threat, but just because its an oak doesn't mean its S.O.D. The deadwood is called staghorning, for obvious reasons when you see it, and may be removed if the tree surgeon can safely get up that far. This will not, by itself, save the tree but it will make it look a whole heap better. It could have staghorned for a variety or combination of reasons. But ask a tree surgeons advice - if he genuinely cares about trees he won't charge for a ten minute consultation.