Split tree

[NedL]

Just noticed a big crack down the middle of my best tree(I don't have that many). Bummer, but I guess I'll have firewood to split.

[C.Wilcox]

Has the tree separated completely or is it an immediate danger to a structure? You might be able to save it by drilling completely through the trunk, inserting a heavy piece of all thread, and cranking it tight with some big washers and nuts. It completely depends on the individual situation, but that method can be successful if you catch it early. I wouldn't do it if it's near a house though. Insurance companies won't be amused if they come and find a doctored up tree laying on the house.

[NedL]

Thought of trying something like that. The crack starts at about 20 feet up at a joint and runs over 10 feet down. It's pretty wide at the top. I thik it would take alot of cranking to get it back together. If it lasts that long I was going to take it down once the ground freezes. I'll post a pic if i get a chance. Maybe I'm wrong as to how hard it will be.

Thanks

[maple maniac65]

If the tree is not in danger of coming down on a building, just let it be and tap it until nature takes it course. I do not make a habit of cutting down a tree until I can not get any more sap out of it. Just because they are old and not so nice looking doesn't mean you can't tap them.

[sweetwoodmaple]

Had one like this in my yard, and the one side fell down and became firewood.

Surprisingly, the other half is very healthy and I put two taps in it without a problem. It aint perty....but it is still kickin.

[Big_Eddy]

I'm with the others. Unless the tree is a danger to people or property, leave it as is and tap it. Eventually one side might split off, but more than likely the rest will still be standing 50 years from now.

If you want to help it out - you can either put a long bolt through it and clamp it tight, or put a couple of turns of cable around the outside and clamp those. The goal is not so much to pull it back together, as to prevent it seperating any further at the top. If the top can't spread any further, the crack won't get any longer. Both solutions are used routinely.

[brookledge]

I'd say you would be better off cabling it instead of bolting it. You will get a stronger, longer lasting job if you go above the two leaders that are split by a good distance and then drill trough the leaders and with eye bolts cable them together.
Keith

[NedL]

Thanks for all the ideas. Maybe I'll try the cable. The tree is right on the side of my yard where the kids play. i'll have to take a closer look to see how bad it is. It has separated at the notch and it looks like the crack is moving closer to the ground. I'd love to keep it up if at all possible.

[mapleack]

I'd bolt it if I wanted to save it. Cable will girdle the tree and kill it anyway. If its next the house / kids, cut it down and replant.

[brookledge]

When you cable a tree you do not wrap the cable around the tree.
The propper way to do it is to go above the split by a good distance and then cable the two leaders together.They drill holes straight through the leader and then bolt in eye bolts. Then using a piece of cable and the ends like used by the electric company. I have watched tree specialist do it.
I have also seen trees that are now dead that were cabled say 50 yrs ago and literally held together by the cables even though the tree is dead.
I'd suggest you contact a tree company to see how much they would charge or better yet contact someone in your state forestery department or exstension service they may show you how to do it for free.
The problem with using a bolt at the split is that the tree will continue to grow on both of the inside sides of the tree(hope that makes sense) and will cause great stress on a bolt. Whereas cableing will not impare the tree from growing out at the split it will just hold it together.
Keith