Question
We live in a very rural area of south central TX and built a pond 7yrs ago around a very mature live oak. Went way outside the drip line so as to not disturb the roots. The tree is surronded on three sides by water and there are no other tree in this area. Last year during the drought our pond got very low, but not dry. The tree's leaves began turning brown and over a period of one year there was one or two branches with green leaves still remaining. Now those leaves are turning brown and dropping. The bark of the tree shows no sign of decay or bugs. The canopy branches are still in tact. What should we do?

Answer
Connie:
It is difficult to say w/o seeing the tree in person. Maybe more than a coincidence that the tree started browning after the pond was installed.  There may have been a too drastic change in the water supply, especially if you see nothing else out of the ordinary.  Not much to do that I know of right now.  You may consider contacting your local county Extension office to see if someone can make a house call to see that tree.  This is usually a free service that Extension provides.

Regards

Steve