Can this tree be saved?

Guys, probably a dumb question but is there any point in keeping this tree? The whole top half is dead.

 

I'm no arborist, but I don't think so.

 

If only the top half is dead as it appears in the pic, you could cut it off above the top limb that is still alive, then wait and see. Not to be funny, but I could say that would be about 50/50 that it would survive.

That said, it depends on why it’s not healthy. If it has a parasite (mine had a beetle), it probably won’t survive.

 

The dead part needs to be cut off. You may not like it much after that.
I would be prone to replace it with something that thrives in your area.

 

If it is any type of ash, no way. I had one die because of the Ash Bore.
Sucks.

 

Depends on why it’s dead. If it’s a parasite then probably not. Check for beetles and parasites either way you’d have to remove the absolute dead portion and correct what caused its to die to begin with.

 

I don't think I watered it enough. Had another tree of the same kind die in the backyard

 

trees typically die from the top down.
I'd say she's a gonner

..Slayer

 

That appears to be a fairly young white oak tree. Young trees, even old trees, will require watering when it doesn't rain. It's becoming an issue even for wild trees in Texas.

The new leaves that came back look healthy now, so I would give it another year. Starting at the very top, prune all the dead wood off. You'll also want to prune away all those trash suckers coming up from the base. Check the top central trunk closely to confirm it's dead before you prune the central trunk back. If you have to cut off the central trunk, then that tree is done. It will always be a squatty, misshappen bush...replace it.

Scratch a small place in the tender bark of branches without leaves down to the wood core. If the inner lining of the bark is green, that area is NOT DEAD. If it's brown and dry, prune it off cause it's not coming back. If the tree continues to die back this growing season, then it has a problem and will probably be dead next year anyway. Water it well this spring/summer.

 

I prefer to look at it as half alive.

 

R&R that tree.

 

Thanks everyone, going to dig it out today

 

You could wait until Christmas and do a Charlie Brown theme in the yard using that tree as a real Charlie Brown Christmas tree...

 

Explosives are quicker.

 

Saved for firewood

 

Bend the branches a little. If they break off easy and are dry inside, it’s dead. If not, it’s not fully out of its dormant stage.

if the top part is dead, just cut that off and it will continue to grow.

 

Ended up taking it down. Thanks everyone!