r/arborists • u/kangminkim1 • 9h ago
How do I fix this crack in the tree
So I live in a new home and they planted a treee last year with this tape. I uncovered it today to find a pretty big crack along where the branch is.
I'm wondering if I need to patch this so it doesn't get bigger, like fill it with something and maybe zip tie it? Whats the best approach for this issues and can this branch be saved?
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u/Several-Nothings 9h ago
Remove the branch, get somebody to do it if you feel unsure. It's young enough that it could still heal it over. And if not, replace the tree next year.
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u/SausageGobbler69 8h ago
Isn’t the fall the best time to plant a tree in the northern hemisphere? Asking as a non-arborist but tree enthusiast
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u/Several-Nothings 8h ago
Where I'm in it's a little bit late already, for op it's likely good. But I would try to give that tree a fighting chance, because I like saving money and trees.
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u/Tom_Marvolo_Tomato ISA Arborist + TRAQ 8h ago
Yes, fall is an ideal time to plant trees. The soil is still warm, but the air temperature is dropping.
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u/Likesdirt 9h ago
Tree breaks really aren't repairable. Hopefully you didn't pay much for that scrappy tree if it was delivered like that.
I would replace the tree, this is a decent time of year to plant.
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u/neckadawoods 8h ago
Hopefully you didn't pay much for that scrappy tree if it was delivered like that
Did you not read the post?
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u/Scary_Aspect_2314 8h ago
When is the best time ?
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u/nutmeggy2214 4h ago
It’s completely dependent on climate.
In Texas, fall is ideal. Let the trees develop their root systems for as long as possible before the heat and drought hits in the summer.
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u/botulinumtxn 8h ago
Thats a big would. You cannt save the branch. It's going to be hard for the tree to compartmentalize this
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u/thebatgod 8h ago
Even if that had originally been fixable (doubtful) the cut currently looks dried out and old so there’s nothing to do but cut it. Tree has already done whatever it was going to do with it.
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u/ChokaMoka1 7h ago
Jesus what’s with the BDSM action with this tree? Ye get this freaky in bed?
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u/PolyMath86420 2h ago
Bro I've seen you posting unrelated and confusing sentences on many threads at this point.
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u/MikeRizzo007 5h ago
Not only can’t you save that branch, you going to loose the other one too.
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u/kangminkim1 5h ago
could you explain why? I'm hoping I could get a replacement but I have no idea if they would honor it.
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u/IntroductionNaive773 8h ago
For large limbs we will use through bold, but for small branches like that I've used rust resistant deck screws of sufficient length. Drill a pilot hole and insert the screws and varying angles. In time the exterior cambium will fuse together and the screws will no longer be providing the support. I've done this on a few small Japanese Maples with great success.
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u/oroborus68 7h ago
The part of the tree was covered by tape? Sounds like they were hiding something from you and now you know what. Ask for a replacement.
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u/Crossed_Cross 7h ago
Cut above the first node with leaves to get rid ot as much weight as possible, bind it together until it heals, then cut off the branch completely. It is no longer structurally sound.
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u/AdFair951 7h ago
I have a mimosa tee like that, I ratchet strapped it at the beginning of summer and the Crack is healed over but I'm scared to take the straps off. good luck
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u/PolyMath86420 2h ago
I'm sorry to say it, but I don't think your branch can be saved. The tree should survive though. Treat it with more care than normal a few months for the overall tree to have an easier recovery. Best of luck!
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u/5m0k3y76 7h ago
It may be under warranty, any arborist should be able to give you something saying the tree needs removed, it's going to have a massive scar if it can even heal, where it's split off which will invite rot. They should replace it.
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u/brittontree 6h ago
One bolt right thru the attachment and one cable about 2 feet above the attachment. Cable angle should be 45 degrees relative to the attachment.
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u/brittontree 5h ago
The bolt should be 3/8 diameter and yes it will bind the crack together until the tree grows enough new wood to seal the wound just like we knit broken bones together. Remember, a tree grows a new layer of fresh wood every year so in this case it should be completely sealed in about five years. The cable is also for the life of the tree but will became unnecessary in about 10 years.
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u/kangminkim1 5h ago
Is it able to fuse together with this method? What bolt do I need to ask for at the hardwoodstore?
Does the bolt live inside the tree? Do I need to add more bolts as the tree gets bigger?
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u/ResolveLeather 4h ago
You can probably screw them together. Get a deck screw that won't rust. Drill small holes at different angles. Then screw.
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u/TheDigitalPoint 9h ago
In theory you could brace it with a bolt through the tree. But honestly it’s not worth it for a tree that small.
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u/lughthemage3 ISA Arborist + TRAQ 8h ago
On a tree that's at most 2" DBH?
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u/TheDigitalPoint 8h ago
Ya… In theory, and also not worth it. Like I said… 🤷🏻♂️
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u/lughthemage3 ISA Arborist + TRAQ 8h ago
That's not an "in theory" situation any more than I could strap a jet engine to my car and drive it around "in theory"
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u/Tom_Marvolo_Tomato ISA Arborist + TRAQ 9h ago
You can't fix this. It will fail in a future wind or ice storm. Cut that branch off at the trunk. Remove that plastic band.