Apple Tree Trunk Rot Repair - Ask Extension
Hi,
I am a Master Gardener Volunteer in Curry County, and I am trying to get an answer for a question posed to our group.
The original question po...
Knowledgebase
Apple Tree Trunk Rot Repair #869636
Asked May 22, 2024, 2:51 PM EDT
Hi,
I am a Master Gardener Volunteer in Curry County, and I am trying to get an answer for a question posed to our group.
The original question posed was:
Wondering what to coat exposed wood with and what to fill the void with (concrete etc). It's still a solid tree but should I drill hole for a piece of all thread to support where it's rotted out or support higher up with cable.
After I queried the client, he elaborated with:
It looks like a split but is actually an area that rotted. I cleaned it up so it looks like a split. I was just interested in what to paint on the exposed wood to hinder further rot and bug damage and also what to fill in the hole so water doesn't pool up and cause more issues. Thanks for your help
I provided the client with the following link: https://extension.oregonstate.edu/ask-extension/featured/can-i-save-my-split-maple
As well as suggested he contact an arborist, using : https://www.treesaregood.org/
Pls see the four attached pictures and provide your insight.
Thanks for you time and expertise :)
Curry County Oregon
Expert Response
It is very hard to stabilize a tree in this condition. There is nothing you can do to stop the decay. Arborists used to put cement into a "cleaned out" major wound though there is no way to really "clean out" a tree wound. It didn't stop the decay and generally made it worse.
It might be possible to join the trunk "pieces" with a heavy duty cable system by drilling through the sections and tying the cables together. It isn't likely to be successful for very given the existing damage. It certainly would be at risk to anyone around it for years if it staggered forward. You would be better off removing the tree and planting a new tree.
I have been involved in several trees that developed very narrow trunk splits (above the soil line) after a "wet snow" event. They were stabilized with a heavy steel rods by drilling through the trunk and stabilized with big washers and then bolted tightly together quickly after the damage. The trees did recover. I did make sure that the owners would tell any now owners that there were a steel rod in the trunks. Bad news for a chain saw trying to remove the years later.
I do not think the the tree in question would be able to be cabled together.
Here is more reading but your best bet with this damage is is to start over. I also suggest calling an arborist.
Chip Bubl OSU Extension Agent/Columbia County (retired)
<personal data hidden>. Feel free to call me at<personal data hidden> mobile if you have more questions. .
It might be possible to join the trunk "pieces" with a heavy duty cable system by drilling through the sections and tying the cables together. It isn't likely to be successful for very given the existing damage. It certainly would be at risk to anyone around it for years if it staggered forward. You would be better off removing the tree and planting a new tree.
I have been involved in several trees that developed very narrow trunk splits (above the soil line) after a "wet snow" event. They were stabilized with a heavy steel rods by drilling through the trunk and stabilized with big washers and then bolted tightly together quickly after the damage. The trees did recover. I did make sure that the owners would tell any now owners that there were a steel rod in the trunks. Bad news for a chain saw trying to remove the years later.
I do not think the the tree in question would be able to be cabled together.
Here is more reading but your best bet with this damage is is to start over. I also suggest calling an arborist.
https://extension.usu.edu/forestry/trees-cities-towns/tree-care/tree-injuries
https://www.treehugger.com/prescriptions-for-wounded-trees-branch-1342706Chip Bubl OSU Extension Agent/Columbia County (retired)
<personal data hidden>. Feel free to call me at<personal data hidden> mobile if you have more questions. .
Hi There Chip!
Thank you very much for the comprehensive reply.
You indicate that the tree is best removed, and to start over…I was hearing similar thoughts from others as well.
And your warning about the risk of embedded steel rods and chain saws made me think…Yikes!
I will forward your reply to the person who posed the question; but I’ll leave out your personal information.
Thanks again,
Martin
On May 28, 2024, at 4:01 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
Thank you, Marin. Glad to be helpful on this question. Chip
