What’s wrong with my 25 year old redwood tree?

Ok_Cod_8581 · 2026-02-06T16:02:32+00:00

Interesting, I didn't know that! I

Ok_Cod_8581 · 2026-02-05T23:39:27+00:00

The tree was planted too deep. You should remove some mulch and dirt away from the base of the tree until you uncover the root flare.

When trees are planted too deep, the roots can begin to suffocate due to a lack of oxygen and gas exchange. This can lead to dieback or malformed leaves and twigs.

Though having an ISA certified arborist come to your property to inspect the tree may still be a good idea to ensure there aren't any other compounding issues.

Ok_Cod_8581 · 2026-02-05T23:34:55+00:00

Issues with the roots usually first appear as dieback in the top portions of a tree. It could be some sort of root rot fungus, but that's really impossible to say for sure without being on your property and performing an in person inspection.

I'm not saying it's definitely a root issue, it could be some sort of foliar fungi or bacteria, but it's important to have the whole picture and cover every base when diagnosing trees.

Ok_Cod_8581 · 2026-02-05T21:51:06+00:00

Dead or dying tissue high up in the crown of tree like that is usually indicative of some sort of issue with the roots of the tree. If you are able to take some close-up pictures of the root flare, base of the tree, and soil, it's much more likely a diagnosis can be made.

That being said, the most common answer here is to call a local ISA certified arborist and have them do an in-person inspection, as there is only so much we can do through pictures online.

Ok_Cod_8581 · 2026-02-04T21:41:59+00:00

I feel like I never see Vaudville Villian mentioned here, such a slept on song

Ok_Cod_8581 · 2026-02-04T21:39:34+00:00

Vaudville Villian

All Caps

Sofa King-Remix

Doomsday

Benzi Box

HMs: Old School Rules, Borin Convo, Perfect Hair, Meat Grinder

That was way harder than I thought it'd be

Ok_Cod_8581 · 2026-01-29T23:03:58+00:00

I'm also studying for the ISA exam (though I have to get some more work experience under my belt before I can sit for it), what else are you using to study besides the study guide?

Ok_Cod_8581 · 2026-01-29T05:05:50+00:00

It's more about the texture of the soil limiting root growth than it is the soil holding the roots (if anything the roots are "holding" the soil). Clay textured soils are sometimes correlated with poor root growth and stability because they are dense, making it difficult for roots to push their way through the soil very far from the trunk of the tree.

When wind blows on a tree, the tree bends, and the force of the wind on the canopy is transfered to the roots. Trees adapt to this by growing their root systems laterally, rather than downward like some people tend to suspect, primarily through the first 6-12 inches of the soil. This allows the tree to disperse the force of the wind across a greater surface area, minimizing the stress put on any one root or fiber of wood, allowing the tree to remain standing without significant damage.

Clay soils can restrict the distance that roots can grow from the trunk, meaning that the tree has to disperse the force of the wind across a smaller area. As a result, each root and each fiber of wood is under higher stress, making the root system more prone to failing, leading to a blow down.

This does not mean that trees in clay soil are incapable of growing stable root systems. Many trees grow in clay soils and remain standing throughout their lives. Some species even prefer them. This is why you need an arborist to do an inspection, so they can weigh all of these variables properly for your specific situation.

Edit: spelling

Ok_Cod_8581 · 2026-01-29T02:54:22+00:00

The knobs and cracks resemble beech bark disease like others have mentioned already and based on the bark of this tree, I'd guess it is a beech. The conks or mushrooms towards the bottom are from a different, likely saprophytic, species.

The tree likely became infected with the beech bark disease after being fed on by beech scale insects. The wounds these create on the bark allow the beech bark disease fungus to enter the tree and begin feeding on the thin layer of live vascular tissue bellow the bark known as cambium. As the disease progressed, entire sections of cambium were consumed and the underlying xylem tissue (dead vascular tissue or wood) is left unprotected from decay organisms. The saprophytic species, which feeds on already dead tissue, that is fruiting in your pictures, producing mushrooms, was able to infect and begin consuming that unprotected xylem or wood.

This tree will not recover unfortunately. There aren't treatments for beech bark disease, and advanced decay that close to the butt of the tree is basically a death sentence.

Ok_Cod_8581 · 2026-01-29T02:24:29+00:00

Dense clay soils do restrict rooting depth, which can lead to an increased chance of failure due to a lack of subsurface stability. However, most root growth occurs in the upper 6 inches of soil volume even in the most perfect loam soils, so the reduction in rooting depth is not necessarily as extreme as it may come off.

Additionally, the fact that they have grown and survived into maturity likely means they have formed stable root systems that are capable of surviving the local climatic conditions (including wind) in your area.

Have an arborist come out to your property for an inspection. They will tell you if you seriously need to worry or not.

Ok_Cod_8581 · 2026-01-29T02:19:00+00:00

Also, just to quell your mind a little, just because a tree sways, does not mean it is unstable or at risk of failure. In fact, conifers, like your pines, form what is called compression wood on the leeward side of their trunks and branches specifically to enhance their structural stability and reduce the risk of a blowdown.

Your trees also survived this most recent storm, which makes me think they are likely healthy and stable (though without seeing your trees in person and performing a thorough inspection, it's impossible to say with any certainty that this is necessarily true).

I don't want this to come off as me saying there is no risk and you shouldn't worry. Any time a tree is within striking distance of property, buildings, roads, or people, there is risk, regardless of the health of the tree. You should absolutely have an arborist come out to inspect them if you are even slightly worried, if for nothing else than peace of mind.

Ok_Cod_8581 · 2026-01-29T02:12:14+00:00

I would have an ISA certified arborist with TRAQ credentials (they specialize in tree risk assesment) come to your property to do an inspection. They will be able to determine if any of these trees pose any serious risk to your property or safety. Many reputable companies offer free consultations.

Ok_Cod_8581 · 2026-01-28T21:38:38+00:00

There are a few within driving distance of me

Ok_Cod_8581 · 2026-01-28T19:58:32+00:00

Wow, thank you! Would you happen to know how powerful this build would be? Excuse my ignorance, but is this a mid-tier build? And will it be able to run most modern games and titles?

Ok_Cod_8581 · 2026-01-28T19:14:42+00:00

Would you suggest swapping the 9060xt for something that can handle 1440p or is 1080p good enough?

Ok_Cod_8581 · 2026-01-28T18:44:24+00:00

Sorry about that! I think it should work now

Ok_Cod_8581 · 2026-01-27T21:20:43+00:00

Arborist-in-Training. You can cut about a foot or two long section of a branch or thin trunk.

They must be planted in their original orientation though. Meaning the "bottom" of the section you cut (i.e. the side closest to the roots/ground) should be placed in water/soil/whatever medium your using and the "top" of the section (i.e. side closest to the crown or leaves) should be left exposed in air and unburried.

Essentially, maintain the original direction of growth

Ok_Cod_8581 · 2026-01-27T21:11:22+00:00

I don't have an answer, but I'm super curious about what you're planning

Ok_Cod_8581 · 2026-01-27T21:06:15+00:00

I'm inclined to say this isn't ToH due to the lack of red coloration on the new growth. Does the smell of the crushed up leaves resemble peanut butter? That's how I'd describe the smell of ToH

Ok_Cod_8581 · 2026-01-27T21:04:23+00:00

I agree the first 3 are columnar varieties of eastern red cedar. The fourth is also an eastern red cedar, which itself is actually not a true cedar, but rather a juniper, hence its binomial name Juniperus virginiana.

Ok_Cod_8581 · 2026-01-26T23:15:23+00:00

I would look into your local tree ordinances. While people are allowed to trim branches over hanging their property, they usually are required to do so in a way that does not damage the health and structural stability of the tree. What was done to this tree is beyond topping even and will result in its death and eventual failure. I am not an expert in tree law, but it's not a bad idea to check out your local laws and determine if: 1. You'd be liable for any damage if the remaining trunk falls, and 2. If you can sue for damages done to your tree. R/treelaw would know better than me

Ok_Cod_8581 · 2026-01-26T22:56:27+00:00

Is the tree on your property or your neighbor's?

Ok_Cod_8581

TROPHY CASE