What to do about hole in tree

[Gulfcoasttoad]

We have recently moved in, and a large chunk of concrete has fallen out of the tree in our front yard (in Texas). A quick web search revealed that the concrete method was a bad idea in the first place, but this was probably done 20 years ago by the previous homeowner. There is still some concrete left. Should I leave it or remove it? What should I do with the remaining cavity? Thanks in advance for any ideas.

[daltontrees]

That it prevents monitoring is reason enough I think not to fill the cavity.

[Gary Prentice]

That it prevents monitoring is reason enough I think not to fill the cavity.

 

There won't be anything left to monitor if some little toe-rags set light to it:001_tt2:

 

Posted in jest, Jules, but there has been a number of cases of veteran trees that have been targeted.

[daltontrees]

Don't I know it, I have been surveying trees on the edge of a notorious housing scheme in Glasgow for the last 5 months and cavities seem to make an irresistable stove for alfresco drinkers to sit around. Not because they are veteran trees, but because they are just out of sight of police. Many of the cavities have been caused by fire damage between butresses a few years previously. Honestly, a couple of nights drinking and a bit of fun for the winos is enough to seal the fate of trees that have been there for a good 100 years before the scheme was even thought of and would otherwise have been tehre for another 200 years.

Any metal over the cavity would have been prised up to make a handy toasting rack.

Scum!

[Gary Prentice]

Don't hold back, just tell everyone how you really feel:lol: Either a toasting rack or weighed in:laugh1:

[treeseer]

Tony's advice was responsible. Giving retention options did answer the op.

Tree had been raised above house but no thinning above that so it is overdue.

It's condemning based on 'glaring defects' (which might not be costing that much strength) that's questionable.

[Le Sanglier]

Tony's advice was responsible. Giving retention options did answer the op.

Tree had been raised above house but no thinning above that so it is overdue.

It's condemning based on 'glaring defects' (which might not be costing that much strength) that's questionable.

 

This thread's knocking on a bit Guy, how did you happen upon this?

[kennyjames]

You really need the advice of a tree arborist. They can look at the tree and tell you exactly what is wrong and what you need to do. If the tree is diseased or infected with insects it could come down in the next wind storm. They can tell you that. Diseased or infected trees are not always easily ‘seen’ so seek professional advise. We cannot correctly diagnose it from the internet.

[sloth]

This threads getting on for two years old! Hopefully one way or another this tree has been dealt with...