Oak hit by van - need advise

[Lovebnretired]

Need advise, here is situation:
Oak tree 3 1/2' diameter hit by Van 2 days ago
Sliced off 8" wide by 3 1/2' heigth of bark plus
Knocked to one side 3 1/2' heigth by 2' wide piece of bark
.....This bark is 2" thick and just hanges there
What can I do to save the tree?
Do I call in a tree DR.? Remove the loose bark? Feed the tree?
I know not to paint where the bark is missing - like was done years ago to trees.
What do you think?

[bhscarlett]

I dont know what to do to save it , but the people on here are so kind and knowledgable,, may your fav tree be saved, blessings,, and warm welcome to plant swap,, Blessings,, Beth

[trudy]

get ahold of some Lindane or some other type boring insect control chemical an spray the damaged part of the tree it would help. Be sure to follow label directions an wear protective clothing, esp. with Lindane. It will need to be applied once a week for 3 weeks. Also try an remove the loose bark, an if possible make a clean cut. You don't want it jagged if that makes sense. It will callus over an seal its wound in time. May take a couple of years.

[SDB777]

That's unfortunate...oaks are by far my favorite tree, and they'll be here long after I'm done walking this planet. But on a brighter note, they are probably one of the toughest trees going. Have you ever seen what happens to hardwood during a 'clear cut of pine'? It's not pretty! Twenty ton skidders dragging logs through the woods, over the woods, or where ever it is necessary...but those trees(mostly oak) bounce right back without so much as a head turn from a human being.

I would try straightening the tree back up(they look better that way), and just cut the 'scarred bark' off(sharper the saw the better). Water it and let it grow!

Yes, the tree is going to have an 'ugly spot' for quite some time, but it will just give it some character!






Scott (still got a scar on my head...I was 7) B

[Lovebnretired]

Thanks to both for such a quick reply.
I will go after the Lindane today.

The tree is so big and strong it never budged the trunk only the thick bark.
I will have to look into what I have will be best to cut the thick bark off with.

Lovebnretired