Severe tree split in storm, seeking advice on how to reinforce and save it [palo verde desert museum]

[sshanky]

Hello,

 

I live in Phoenix, Arizona, where we have a sometimes severe monsoon season with high winds. I have a Palo Verde (Cercidium x 'Desert Museum') tree that's about 3 or 4 years old. We are meant to keep them light and trim to help them not get too caught in the wind, but I neglected to do it, and more than half the tree split and fell on the house (no damage thankfully) and had to be cut and removed. The remaining half of the tree looks compromised because its trunk section is missing about half its wood. However, in another big storm the other night I watched the tree in the wind and it took it well, no damage or further splitting.

 

I want to strengthen the break, and am thinking of using some bolts drilled through the trunk to pull the crack closed, or at least prevent it from widening (criss crossed to prevent another split). I'm also thinking of reinforcing the section with missing wood by using a tense cable.

 

Does anyone have a better idea, or any advice? Thanks a lot. This is a beautiful tree, producing thousands of bright yellow flowers in spring, and providing a lot of shade, without using a lot of water. Lots of pics before and after, including the yellow flowers, attached.

 

Thanks!

[htb]

Personally I would remove and replant another, I know its not what you want to hear

[stihlmadasever]

Brace/support whats left.

Ive seen trees come back from worse but i have to admit it not a species im familiar with so its very basic advice.

sorry

[mawsonarb]

Get in contact with Bartlett trees they have an office in pheonix and Tuscon.. they will no more about that species and probably be able to help more! Brilliant sand storm you guys had the other week! Jesus!

[Steve Bullman]

20 hours ago, htb said:

Personally I would remove and replant another, I know its not what you want to hear

I'd agree with this, although im not really familiar with the tree.  You might be better off asking on a US site like www.arboristsite.com

 

Thats sure grown some in 4 years though!

[sshanky]

Thanks everyone. I think I will try to repair. I will show you what I end up with, once I get to it. Yes, @Steve Bullman, it grew amazingly fast. Maybe that is why their wood isn't the strongest. They blow over in storms here all the time.