Oak not so good

Oak tree with split down trunk

A few weeks ago we had some pretty windy weather, in fact the whole area lost electricity thanks to a lightning strike on a local substation at the time. We only noticed the damage to this tree a few days later.

 

It wasn't hit by lightning, just split. It's a really nice shaped oak tree. We've considered removing it before as it is in an awkward place but it is so lovely that so far we've allowed it to stay. It looks as if mother nature disagrees. With a split going straight through it's centre it is unsafe and will have to get the chop. I hate getting rid of nice specimens of mature trees but at least it will help fuel our heating next winter. Temporarily it has a brace around it, if we can put off felling until autumn we will! A tree without leaves is a lot easier to deal with.