 Others suggested the drilling would put too much stress on the tree, which should be allowed to heal itself.Slime flux is not typically pathogenic or the most serious problem for this species, whereas oak root fungus will kill a coast live oak and is a reflection of cultivation problems.Since the area was heavily developed with a roadway constructed around the tree, root injuries, grade changes, and altered hydrology likely led to the oak root fungus issue and contributed significantly to the declining health.