Retention?

[Elliott]

Morning fellas, 

 

Please could you give me your opinion on this? 
 

Suffered limb failure as a result of strong winds. Tare has torn slightly into the trunk. 
 

The client wishes to retain the tree. 
 

Would it be possible to ‘correct’ the torn wounds by cutting them back to the branch bark ridge/bark collar where it’s possible to do so. I believe the tree will be unable to properly codit the wounds due to the incision into the main trunk so will form a canker, however, if we relieve some of the weight above the canker in anticipation of failure, this could mitigate any potential damage that could be caused. Alternatively, could reduce the trunk to below the top tare, correct the lower tare which hasn’t affected the trunk, and provide a pollard maintenance plan. 
 

I haven’t climbed the tree and inspected the heartwood yet, this will truly determine the structural stability and provide more insight into the root cause of the weak limbs. This query is just lightly put and off of face value. 
 

Trying to think of the best possible solution before felling the tree, as retention is preferable over removal. 
 

Would you be kind enough to give your opinion on how you’d resolve this, if differently to the above? 
 

Much appreciated. 

[Khriss]

They do manage to soldier on with those big trunk tears , but it looks horrific  think I would be reduce over extended branches giving the crown a thin in places to reduce possibility of future tear outs . Not great outlook really -  K

[Elliott]

Yes, certainly unsightly. Just a shame to resort to removal at the first instance. If risk could be mitigated and remedial maintenance works scheduled ongoing it would be ideal. Although, it is fair to say that from this point it is on the decline, the decline could be managed over another decade or so. Thanks for your advice K, I will review the over extended limbs and see what can be reduced. 

[Paddy1000111]

It looks like there's some nice branches you could reduce to above the union too. Just a shame that all the weight is now towards the house! 

[Stere]

Seen a big scots pine last for yrs with similar  branch torn off with no ill effects and zero intervention

 

Maybe certain conifers are better at compartmentalization of decay  than many other species?

Edited February 19, 2021 by Stere

[Dan Maynard]

Cedar is naturally decay resistant, so it won't rot out quickly. On the other hand it's brittle, there is some chance it's cracked in the remaining stem. I think you need to get up and have a look before making a plan, but reduce and retain looks possible to me.