Leaning Red Oak Near House: Hazard Assessment

22-year-old leaning red oak dropped 20-ft limb (4 yrs ago) and two 10-12 ft limbs recently. Owner fears house crush if it falls.

Assessment

Tree appears dying (thin/sparse canopy in photos). Leaning + limb drop + dieback = high failure risk.

Recommendation

• Remove tree.
• Fertilizing unlikely to reverse decline.
• State forestry agency or city forester (St. Louis) can confirm.

Cost Note

Expensive removal, but cost of damage/injury far higher.