Old Tree Splitting Help!!

fotosbyt · 9th April 2010, 07:29 AM

We have an old Hickory nut tree that is splitting up the middle with a break going sideways about midways up, it is also dry rotting at the base of the trunk. when the wind blows the side break opens quite a bit, and the tree is also leaning now. Very tall tree by our house. we can stick a pencil inside the crack all the way. Can it be saved or do we need to top it, or just cut it down.?? need answer pretty quickly for fear of falling.

TreeSpecialist · 9th April 2010, 08:13 AM

If it needs "topping" then it needs to be removed. Topping is one of the worse things you could do, so you might as well kill it as top it.

Cracked forks or split trunks can be successfully cabled and bolted back together in many instances. The question remains is how hazardous is the tree. Does it have a target it would hit if it fell? next to the house may be a problem.

The crack if it is only a pencil thickness wide isn't too much. I've pulled trees back together that were split 180º and they are doing just fine.

The "dry rot" at the base of the tree should be professionally evaluated before condeming the tree.

Call around and get a bid from some certified arborists in your area. Look for folks who have been in business for some time and might even charge you to come evaluate your situation. When you're getting a "free estimate", often you are getting exactly what you pay for - nothing!

Eric Frei · 9th April 2010, 09:00 AM

I'd like to see some pictures of this, sounds lethal.

fotosbyt · 9th April 2010, 10:17 AM

It's not pencil thick in crack width, I mean you can stick the pencil inside that deep before it hits anything. The tree stands well above the house ,like about 20ft or more. the crack runs length wise with the tree, probably about 5 or 6ft worth. the crack across is about 1/2 of the tree and that opens about 2 inches except when the wind blows hard then probably another inch.

TreeSpecialist · 9th April 2010, 10:21 PM

Still, it's likely it could be saved. some weight reduction pruning crown reduction) might also be in order. Seek some professional help - this is not a homeowner kind of project.

9th April 2010, 07:29 AM	#1
fotosbyt I'm new here so be nice Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: tn Posts: 2	Old Tree Splitting Help!! We have an old Hickory nut tree that is splitting up the middle with a break going sideways about midways up, it is also dry rotting at the base of the trunk. when the wind blows the side break opens quite a bit, and the tree is also leaning now. Very tall tree by our house. we can stick a pencil inside the crack all the way. Can it be saved or do we need to top it, or just cut it down.?? need answer pretty quickly for fear of falling.

9th April 2010, 08:13 AM	#2
TreeSpecialist Mature tree Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Austin, Texas Posts: 373	Re: Old Tree Splitting Help!! If it needs "topping" then it needs to be removed. Topping is one of the worse things you could do, so you might as well kill it as top it. Cracked forks or split trunks can be successfully cabled and bolted back together in many instances. The question remains is how hazardous is the tree. Does it have a target it would hit if it fell? next to the house may be a problem. The crack if it is only a pencil thickness wide isn't too much. I've pulled trees back together that were split 180º and they are doing just fine. The "dry rot" at the base of the tree should be professionally evaluated before condeming the tree. Call around and get a bid from some certified arborists in your area. Look for folks who have been in business for some time and might even charge you to come evaluate your situation. When you're getting a "free estimate", often you are getting exactly what you pay for - nothing! __________________

9th April 2010, 09:00 AM	#3
Eric Frei Admin - Owner Palm & Tree Services in Brisbane Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Brisbane Posts: 12,993	Re: Old Tree Splitting Help!! I'd like to see some pictures of this, sounds lethal. __________________ 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

9th April 2010, 10:17 AM	#4
fotosbyt I'm new here so be nice Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: tn Posts: 2	Re: Old Tree Splitting Help!! It's not pencil thick in crack width, I mean you can stick the pencil inside that deep before it hits anything. The tree stands well above the house ,like about 20ft or more. the crack runs length wise with the tree, probably about 5 or 6ft worth. the crack across is about 1/2 of the tree and that opens about 2 inches except when the wind blows hard then probably another inch.

9th April 2010, 10:21 PM	#5
TreeSpecialist Mature tree Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Austin, Texas Posts: 373	Re: Old Tree Splitting Help!! Still, it's likely it could be saved. some weight reduction pruning crown reduction) might also be in order. Seek some professional help - this is not a homeowner kind of project. __________________

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Ever Had Trouble Splitting.	Done it	Firewood and Wood Working	14	30th August 2011 12:46 PM
Splitting Dry Redgum	sillybgoat	General Tree Chat	10	23rd June 2009 06:38 AM
Fish cut to avoid splitting when felling	Eric Frei	Tree Information and Facts	21	30th August 2007 02:39 PM