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.

[treequip]

Hi All

 

Don't you think people are being a bit irresponsible to offer advice on the extent of the decay and level of hazard when all there is to go on is a few photos from on side of the tree.

 

It may well be that the cavity is within recognised safety limits, but without seeing the tree and having a proper examination we can't tell with any certainty.

 

No one has suggested getting the tree examined by an experienced arborist - given the proximity to the target I would have thought that may be a sensible idea.

 

Callum

 

The advice given is correct and impartial

 

The fact is that it will probably get a site visit by a contractor based on the advice given here but now, equipped with good advice the OP will be able to make an informed choice.

 

:thumbup1:

[Gulfcoasttoad]

Thanks all for the comments and suggestions thus far. If it makes any difference, I removed the lower concrete piece today (came right out with one hand) and measured both upper and lower cavities to assess the decay. Both appear to extend approximately 3 feet/1 meter past the outside opening. Pictures attached below.

[Callum]

The advice given is correct and impartial

 

The fact is that it will probably get a site visit by a contractor based on the advice given here but now, equipped with good advice the OP will be able to make an informed choice.

 

:thumbup1:

 

How do we know a light reduction would mean that the tree will be OK for a decade and that the cavity is not that bad.

 

No one has examined the tree and the only info we have to go on is a few photos from one side of the tree. For all we know there could be all sorts of things going on with it.

 

Callum

[Steve Bullman]

How do we know a light reduction would mean that the tree will be OK for a decade and that the cavity is not that bad.

 

No one has examined the tree and the only info we have to go on is a few photos from one side of the tree. For all we know there could be all sorts of things going on with it.

 

Callum

 

I can't see a single post in this thread where anyone has suggested the tree will be ok for a decade?

 

But you are right, the opinions expressed here are no substitute for an on site inspection by a professional....and covered here http://arbtalk.co.uk/forum/homeowners-tree-advice-forum/33709-homeowners-advice-forum-guidelines-please-read.html

[Daniël Bos]

As others have sugested, a light reduction would ensure this is good for a fair while probably a decade before one needs to reconsider the options.

 

The cavity isnt that bad, in fact I would say its faired pretty well considering the length of time the cavity has been present.

 

looking at the wound wood ribs occluding the cavity edges I might suggest the cavity is less than 20 years?

 

its certainly possible to retain, and adds a lot to your property.

 

My suggestion would be to plant a replacement now close by, have this one reduced somewhat and in ten years time when the new tree is well established youll have more options

 

I can't see a single post in this thread where anyone has suggested the tree will be ok for a decade?

 

 

One could read the above as stating such:biggrin:

[Steve Bullman]

Not sure how i missed that one

[Eagle]

Fell it and replant further away from the house!

[Gulfcoasttoad]

Another thanks for your continued comments. As a reminder, the thread title is what I do about the hole, not the tree. I'm not cutting the tree down.

 

Thinning the canopy sounds like a good idea, I can manage that, and the tree could use a haircut anyway. We aren't going to be hiring someone--it's not in the budget.

[Daniël Bos]

There's only one thing to do with that hole then, leave it.

[kieran connell]

would agree with others on this one! thin the crown to reduce the weight and see how it does.also good idea to plant one or two replacements from the same species and yes! get the trunk and cavity inspected for its strength.