How can you tell if a sycamore tree is hollow?

Answer 1

A crude method is to drill into it with an increment bore. This will let you extract a core sample, If the tree is hollow or rotten inside you will See it in the sample extracted. You can also get an somewhat accurate age of the tree by counting the annual rings.

A less evasive method is to use a resistograph.This method drills a very small hole it the tree trunk and the resistance to the thin wire is measured. A graph showing the resistance can be printed out. When there is little or no resistance there would be rot or hollow spots in the tree. This also tells you how for into the trunk the rot starts.

Some experienced people can tell if a tree is rotten by hitting the trunk with a rubber mallet. (far from accurate)

Answer 2

take a small to medium drill bit and drill a hold somewhere at eye level, then shine a light in it to see of tap on it, if you tap on it if it is hollow the sound will be kind of deep.you can take cork or somthing to put in the hold when you are done looking.

Answer 3

Wait for strong wind... if tree falls quickly it was hollow

Answer 4

Cut it down and look at the end of it.

Answer 5

knock on it.