Hi Guys...I got a HUGE tree in my backyard. It is at least 40-60 ft tall, has a "v" shaped trunk and wide spread of the branches. The trunk itself (if you take in the whole "v" is probably 5-6' around if not more.
Recently I was putting in a fence and pulled off some vines growing on this thing when I noticed saw dust around the tree. I knew it had termites once before which I had sprayed for. I went around the neighbors fence (where the vines had once grown) and saw light reddish brown "dirt" looking sawdust. I begin to dig all this stuff out, I found a few ants (maybe carpenters?) and some small winged critters (maybe termites?) but nothing that seemed like a big colony by any means. Anyway...a good part of the base of this tree is now "paper" 6"-1' sections came off in my hand. I dug out a hole of sawdust up to my elbow right down the center of the tree. But there is still alot of good trunk left. It looks like 50% is good, other 50% is "paper" Can it be saved?
2007-05-18 09:24:12 · 6 answers · asked by Onyx Ninja 4 in Home & Garden ➔ Garden & Landscape
It doesn't sound good. I may not have your best answer as I have studied construction damage to trees, wind damage, and other problems, but after the insects have invaded all I hear is you can't keep them out. As long as the tree is not in a fall line to your house or other structure I would try to save it. A long time ago I was told to do this in your case. It may work????
Use a long acting pesticide to clean out any remaining insects. Clean out the hole or area as best you can, removing any unviable wood. This may be using a wood cutting tool of some sort, from a drimmel to a rasp.
Once you are convinced the insects are gone and the tree is clean, mix up a bit of cement (sufficient to fill the hole). Put some latex mix in the cement (it is made to make the cement a bit flexible after hardening into concrete). The additive will be readily available at a building store (home depot, lowes etc). Fill the hole. After it hardens check for gaps. Mix and fill them as well. Next, get some roofing tar. Let the cement cure for a few weeks. Then spread the roofing tar (1 gallon and 5 gallon cans. It's sticky, gooey, and black) all over the area where the cement is next to the wood. It needs to be about 1/4 inch thick (or thicker). Spread on the concrete as well. It won't hurt to circle the tree trunk with this stuff. In a day or so the tar will form a crust. Spray insecticide all around the trunk, including on the repairs you've made. Use a cypress or cedar mulch (cedar preferred by me) to surround the trunk and discourage insects. Check the tar every few weeks and repair as needed.
If the problem is not too bad this may save your tree. I was able to save one doing this and lost two others. The one I saved had about 3/4 of the core of the trunk gone. It was still standing 5 years later when we moved.
Good luck
I'll check to see if there is a better answer too.
2007-05-18 09:47:41 · answer #1 · answered by Pumken 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It depends on why the tree is being cut down. If someone could make more than $250.00 from cutting down the tree they would likely cut down the tree and pay the fine. If fact if the tree was just something a person no longer wanted a $250 fine would not be a likely deterrent. Prison time or the death penalty would likely get people to stop cutting down trees.
2016-05-17 04:03:56 · answer #2 · answered by bridgett 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Usually anytime a tree has the ' V 'junction it spells trouble eventually.
You can't always tell about a tree on the outside sometimes the problem is inside the trunk.....Can it be saved I guess anything is possible. I'm not sure I would chance it if you have children.!
2007-05-18 09:50:58 · answer #3 · answered by LucySD 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
this tree sounds like it will be a problem if can hit your house but remember a trees strength comes from the cambium which is the outer 3 inches of the tree on a tree this size, I would take it down if it proposes a danger to you and if it doesnt then get it proffetionally treated and let nature do the rest
2007-05-18 13:45:42 · answer #4 · answered by sean s 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You might have to. It's not safe, the base has the most pressure on it, and if it''s coming apart in your hand, it might topple.
Look in the phone book and try to find someone who takes care of trees to come have a look at it. And soon, before a storm comes.
2007-05-18 09:34:23 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I would get rid of it. Any tree that does not seem to be safe or alive should be cut down.
2007-05-18 09:41:05 · answer #6 · answered by togobackintime 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋