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Laurel Oak

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From: Bob Ford City: Belleair, FL
I planted the tree 3.5 years ago. It is about 18 feet high. The tree began it's normal cycle of loosing it's leaves, new buds arrived but then not much has happened. There are a few new leaves in the interior of the tree. Normally it is fully leafed at least a month ago. The branches appeared alive. All the other oaks in my yard are all leafed out. I am concerned. Any thoughts? Thanks
	Extension Message From: Jay Hayek Extension Specialist, Forestry Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences jhayek@illinois.edu
Greetings Bob, Upon doing a little research, it appears Laurel Oak has suffered the last 5-6 years due to severe drought in the Florida area. This may or may not be the culprit in your case. One quick test to determine weather or not your tree is still alive is to take your fingernail and scratch several twigs to see if you can see "green" living tissue beneath the bark. If your tree is still alive, I would suggest contacting your local Florida Extension office to see if someone can come out and conduct an on-site evaluation of your tree(s). Good luck!
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