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White oak tree problem #870406

Asked May 28, 2024, 11:58 AM EDT

We have a white oak tree that had 3 trunks. The builder cut one trunk off 21 years ago, and that spot rotted, leaving a large hole that collects water and debris. Our fear is that it will weaken or kill the remaining trunks. What can we do?

Anoka County Minnesota

Expert Response

Hopefully the tree was able to wall off the damage from the inside. There isn’t anything that can be done except to clear out debris occasionally to keep the debris from rotting in the cavity. Be care not to do more damage to the trunk cleaning the it out. It is better to do nothing than to scrape the wound. 
Evelyn Locke, MN Master Gardener, Tree Care Advisor, Volunteer Replied May 28, 2024, 9:07 PM EDT
Thanks for your reply and advice.  I had considered drilling a 1" hole at the bottom of the cavity to drain the water, but it sounds like that would be a bad idea.  Thanks again fir your reply.
Steve

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From: ask=<personal data hidden> <ask=<personal data hidden>> on behalf of Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>>
Sent: Tuesday, May 28, 2024 8:07:02 PM
To: Steve Boswell <<personal data hidden>>
Subject: Re: White oak tree problem (#0140326)
 
The Question Asker Replied June 13, 2024, 7:33 PM EDT
You are right, drilling a hole causes more damage and research has shown it usually does more harm than good.
Thanks for letting me know my advice was useful.
Evelyn Locke, MN Master Gardener, Tree Care Advisor, Volunteer Replied June 15, 2024, 7:36 AM EDT

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