I have a large Oak, at least 30 inches in dia. One side of the tree is losing its bark and looks like it is rotting. When I was in New Orleans, grew up there, I noticed many of the trees had cement in places in the tree. I don't know if the tree is diseased or insects. I did see some termites in the rot, but don't think they are causing the problem. Is it possible to treat the tree with some kind of insecticide or scrape out the rot and put in cement. Sure would like to save the tree. It is an incredable price to have to get it cut down. Thanks Bud

Greetings Bud,

Filling holes in trees with cement is not a good idea - in fact, that usually does more harm than good. Yes, tree removal is often an expensive avenue of last resort.

Needless to say, you need an on-site evaluation by a professional tree care specialist (e.g., certified arborist, urban forester, pathologist/entomologist, or horticulturist). Only an on-site consultation can provide you with a legitimate expert opinion.

Contact your local university extension office to see if they can come out and look at your tree. Otherwise, you will have to call a certified arborist (check the yellow pages).

Best of luck!