Tree Split At Base

Bella

Hello and thank you so much for this forum. I've read thru several threads and so many members here have been informative.

I have a problem with my only tree, it's about 50 ys/o and is now split at the base. We've had a couple bad storms here (Chicago) the last year and I'm sure that's what caused this. I had a tree pro come and look yesterday and he said they could cable it or take it down. I'm torn since I love this tree, but at the same time I'm afraid the cables will not solve the problem, and the possibility of the tree eventually falling. There is my house and a neighbors house in the path.

I called a local arborist that can't come out for another week. Not sure if it's safe to wait that long. The tree guy said he could start work on Tuesday.

Here's the photos. I would love to hear any others opinion of this as I don't want to rush to take it down if it can be saved. I've seen discussion on cracks/splits but nothing when it splits all the way to the ground. Thank you so much.

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pcarborist

That will only prolong the inevitable.

newguy18

As hard as it is for you to hear,that tree really needs to be removed,as said cabling wil only temporarly if at all prolong the inevitable.

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Eric Frei

Can we see pictures from further away so we can see size, structure and target locations?

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Knotahippie

More info/pics would be nice.

We just cabled a tree like that a couple weeks ago, the one we did is good for another 30yrs.

For a fraction of a removal cost.

The one we did might need props in the near future but it's bomber now.

TreeSpecialist

Cabling , when well done, can add 30 to 50 years to he life of the tree.

I wouldn't consider removing it unless there was something else seriously wrong with the tree that doesn't show in the 2 pictures.

If that is a soaker hose near the base of the rte I'd recommend removing it to minimize (or eliminate) the moss growing on the trunk.

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Sean Freeman

I would certainly agree with many of the comments made by others. The size of the tree, its limbs and what they can impact upon if they were to fail (acknowledging that being a tree eventually they will fail, and would even if they did not have what seems to be such a significant defect)

So target as always is the most important element in assessing risk.

There are some simple steps that the Arborist should take to properly assess the crack, and the stem....a simple small root crown excavation...how deep into the root crown does the crack extend, indeed where is the root crown? What if any decay is present, and what are the soil conditions around the roots of this tree.

I really can't say from the pics if the tree represents a significant risk of harm, for the reasons previously mentioned, however the on site visit froman experienced qualified Arborist should be more than capable of reaching a determination for you.

ArborealTerror

Not qualified to offer insight as to the structural integrity. The spider web in the second picture says to me that this is going to be a high traffic path for insects. Insects can see when a tree is sick and ripe for invasion. Watch the tree and watch the web. If the tree is invaded with wood borers / termites the situation could rapidly decline.

Bella

Thanks for all the replies. :-)

I attached a few more pics. Towards the back of the garden, on the other side of the wall, is a commuter train. As of now, the train is far enough away from the path should the tree fall, however it would definitely hit the wall. The big concern is my neighbor's home next door. The leader on the right is leaning towards their house. Being in this city we are really crammed in so it's hard to get a picture of the entire tree in one frame. The first two show the bottom half and top half.

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TreeSpecialist

3 or 4 Cables high in the canopy should suffice nicely.

Call Care of Trees, Inc. and get them to cable it for you.

Pull the ivy off the trees.

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Bella

Thanks! Care of Trees is going to be here next Friday to take a look.