 Re: Can this tree be saved?
Your ash tree should be removed. Saving it will only result in a rotted trunk one day failing when it is most inconvenient. Removing it now when it is smaller would be easier as well.
In addition to the advice given for the maple, I would advise against a "bolt" through the two trunks but rather see through bolts with cables higher up into the canopy.
Cabling will put off the inevitable removal of the tree for a decade or more.
The first "fork" appears to actually be two trunks that have grown together. There is no lignin or "glue" when bark occurs against bark. Additionally, the pressure of the to trunks expanding actually causes some necrosis of the tissue at the pressure points. As a very poor compartmentalizer, this will result in some extensive decay over time.
The second "fork" on the left side of the photo is hard to see, but the third fork is clearly developing included bark and is a weak point likely to split in the future.
In the interim, crown reduction pruning done by someone who understands it will also help.
One other solution to consider would be to invest in better replacement trees right away rather than spend money trying to save this one. |