Split Tree Advice

[jen0910]

Hi, We had almost 2 feet of wet snow a few days ago that caused a birch tree in my yard to split.  We cut and removed the bulk of the fallen trunk but want to save the rest of the tree.  What can we do to help the tree heal and give it the best chance of survival?

 

 

[htb]

To be honest there was already rot in the union before the recent failure. even tidying up the damaged stub will leave access for rots etc. The main stem is weakened and the tree looks to be weighted towards the road. Not the answer you wish to hear but best option would be to remove the tree completely, unless you are willing to live with the future risk to others.

[Mick Dempsey]

I wouldn’t worry about it.

[daltontrees]

I fit was me (and bearign in mind I am a bit eccentric) I'd close the fork really tight with a ratchet strap, then coach bolt it together, then take off the ratchet strap. Then wait and see what happens over the next couple of years.

[Dan Maynard]

My idea would be plant another tree nearby, with birch having poor natural decay resistance I think the rot will get it in the end. Nothing wrong with ratcheting it up but to me unlikely to have a long term future so good idea to get a new one underway.

 

I'm assuming the road is too far away - if it's not then you should get someone to look in person.

[manco]

slice that shitey bit off (without cutting into the main trunk) before more snow and freeze thaw cycle increases the damage and then leave it alone till summer and get a professional to balance the weight out in the crown

[Billhook]

Now this is what I call a split tree!  Any advice welcome

[Macpherson]

+1 for planting a new tree asap and enjoy watching it grow, Birch grows quite fast.

Bearing in mind the old adage that the best time to plant a new tree was 20 years ago😊