Knowledgebase

Split in trunk between two branches of redbud tree #764961

Asked July 31, 2021, 2:52 PM EDT

Forest Pansy Redbud. About 13 years old. photos attached show split in trunk between two branches. This tree suffered the loss of one main branch during an ice storm when the tree still had full leaf coverage maybe 10years ago. You can see how it healed over. What are your thoughts on how we can save this tree? Thanks

Washington County Maryland

Expert Response

Unfortunately there isn't much you can do - the wound is old and would be unlikely to knit back together even if it were fresh. Trees and shrubs don't heal wounds like we do by means of regenerating tissue to seal a cut; instead, they compartmentalize internally, meaning that they build a "wall" of tissue behind the wound designed to block the spread of any infectious diseases, rot, or wood-boring insects from reaching healthy wood beyond. (Incidentally, the only live wood in a tree trunk/branch is closer to the exterior, just under the bark; inner core heartwood is already naturally dead tissue.)

The only intervention an arborist might suggest is to brace the two halves with some sort of stabilizing device so they don't split further in future storms. Since the break only affected a slim section of sapwood on each side, the branches themselves may survive for awhile longer if they don't crack further. You may want to have a certified arborist assess the tree to determine if this is even feasible or worth the cost of materials.

Miri

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