Knowledgebase

Does my tree need a threaded rod inserted? #874503

Asked June 24, 2024, 5:05 PM EDT

I have a 30-year old red maple in my front yard that has two main trunks. Years ago we had a cable installed about 20 feet up, to prevent the two trunks from separating. I recently noticed that there might be a crack forming below the crotch where the main trunk splits into two. A tree care company recommends installing a threaded rod at the crotch. How can we tell if the tree really needs a threaded rod to prevent it from splitting? And, would inserting the rod harm the tree? To what degree would it prevent the tree from splitting? Thank you.

Montgomery County Maryland

Expert Response

Unfortunately we don't have experience with this type of hardware, and this degree of tree structural reinforcement is beyond our expertise (as we at HGIC are not trained arborists). We suggest getting a second opinion (or even third, if low-cost) from another certified arborist or licensed tree expert to see if they agree with the need for reinforcement. Codominant leaders, which the maple pictured does appear to have, can be quite common among tree branching flaws, and these narrow attachment points do pose a risk for splitting in stormy weather due to the included bark that forms between the two halves, which does compromise its structural integrity.

Miri

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