Trees - Willow Oak
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  (August) There are three Willow Oaks at the entrance to our neighborhood. They are planted in a median and grass does not grow well under these trees. I say it is because of compaction of the soil by the roots of these trees (some of the roots can be seen above ground.) One of our board members wants to cut the lower limbs of all three trees. She thinks it will allow more sun to reach the grass beneath the trees. I hate to see the limbs cut. The trees were planted too close together probably about ten years ago. I have asked the landscape maintenance company to widen the area of mulch around the trees to cover more of the roots and bare soil. What is your advice?

  Do you need more areas to mow? If not, mulch the whole area and do away with grass. Compaction may be to blame, but shade and grass do not go well together, and mulching is a lot easier to maintain.

  (August) I transplanted a Willow Oak (about 12 feet tall) last winter. This spring the leaves came out and everything looked okay, but when it started turning really hot, the leaves turned brown and there is not a green leaf on the tree at all. Is there any chance this tree can still make it? It certainly looks dead, but I don't want to give up if it still has a chance. I've transplanted many trees and shrubs and have been a gardener for over 25 years. I'm not saying I'm an expert, but I've had my share of success and I have learned a few tricks along the way. I was really surprised to see this tree struggling.

  The larger the plant is, the harder the move. I would suggest you keep watering it when dry. It is possible that the tree simply shut down early to preserve its resources, and will leaf back out next spring. Let's hope that is the case. I assume you were watering it all along. Losing all its leaves early is not ideal, but wait and see what happens next spring before deciding it is a lost cause.

  (December) I have willow oak trees that are about five years old and have never had their lower limbs pruned. They have grown to about 25 feet and filled in nicely. How high from the ground should they be pruned ? They have begun to interfere with the growth of the grass underneath. Is it ok to prune them now?

  It is perfectly acceptable to remove lower limbs whenever you wish to. It is often easier to do so while the trees are dormant, so you can see what you are doing. The key is to make a nice clean cut at the branch collar -- not too close, nor do we want to leave a stub. Make sure that you don't start your pruning close to the trunk of the tree. If you do, the weight of the limb will cause it to break off when you are halfway through the cut, and can leave a wound on the trunk of the tree. Make your first pruning cut a foot or two away from the trunk on the underside of the branch. Then prune from the top, slightly away from this first cut. After the bulk of the limb has been removed, prune to the branch collar without major injury. No pruning paints or wound dressings are necessary. Prune as needed to be able to walk under the tree.

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