Dogwood tree with hollow

greg · 10th August 2009, 07:23 AM

I have a dogwood tree that has a hollow 18" off the ground with standing water. The hollow has been there for at least 4 years and it's measurements are 4" wide, 10" high, and there is about 3" of damp material in the hollow. Overall the tree seems relatively healthy with yearly trimming of dead branches.

Most threads I've read say to leave it alone, but want to verify best course of action. i.e. Fill the hole, keep water from being trapped in the hole, or nothing.

Thanks.

Eric Frei · 10th August 2009, 07:28 AM

Do nothing, in fact keeping it full would be the best as fungi need oxygen to live.

It's when it's empty but moist/damp that things accelerate as far as decay goes.

You may want to keep the canopy a little smaller than usual to reduce the load. Maybe also consider an application of Cambistat to keep the tree more compact whilst increasing root vigour.

southsoundtree · 17th August 2009, 04:12 AM

good that you researched before acting. Too many people will go with what their neighbor/ granddad/ guy on tv told them.

10th August 2009, 07:23 AM	#1
greg I'm new here so be nice Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: central va Posts: 1	Dogwood tree with hollow I have a dogwood tree that has a hollow 18" off the ground with standing water. The hollow has been there for at least 4 years and it's measurements are 4" wide, 10" high, and there is about 3" of damp material in the hollow. Overall the tree seems relatively healthy with yearly trimming of dead branches. Most threads I've read say to leave it alone, but want to verify best course of action. i.e. Fill the hole, keep water from being trapped in the hole, or nothing. Thanks. Attached Thumbnails

10th August 2009, 07:28 AM	#2
Eric Frei Admin - Owner Palm & Tree Services in Brisbane Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Brisbane Posts: 12,990	Re: Dogwood tree with hollow Do nothing, in fact keeping it full would be the best as fungi need oxygen to live. It's when it's empty but moist/damp that things accelerate as far as decay goes. You may want to keep the canopy a little smaller than usual to reduce the load. Maybe also consider an application of Cambistat to keep the tree more compact whilst increasing root vigour. __________________ Protect your rights to work - Join Australian Tree Association My businesses:- Qualified Brisbane Palm and Tree Lopping \| Stump Grinding Brisbane \| Brisbane - Gold Coast Consulting Arborist

17th August 2009, 04:12 AM	#3
southsoundtree Semi-mature vigorous tree Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Olympia, WA, USA Posts: 84	Re: Dogwood tree with hollow good that you researched before acting. Too many people will go with what their neighbor/ granddad/ guy on tv told them.

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