Can this tree be helped

[fagus]

Likely to last for yonks.Looks like good extension growth which points to some vigour. I would remove the dead bark to see sound tissue so you can easily observe how the wound progresses. Shape the wound with a sharp knife to help the flow of water and nutrients up and down the tree.i,e no jagged edges.

I would hold off the thinning; if that is done it reduces the trees capacity to get over the wound and adds more.

[Paul Cleaver]

its a cherry plum - the foliage looks healthy but its probably being fed from energy reserves - for the species type I would say not looking good to be honest and no sign of reactive wood as yet - trim away the dead bark as said and see what its like next year - I always like to give a tree a chance

[treeseer]

Do you suspect that was the start of the trees demise. To my untrained eye there's no sign of the tree trying to heal that cut. I never asked how long ago it was done

 

Mick, I've never seen clearer evidence. Your eye is well trained. The tree lost all the resource-gathering power that branch once delivered, so no surprise it cannot seal the damage.

 

This is why BS3998, like the German ZTV, recommends against any cut >10 cm. The US is slow to adopt that proven guideline, as it might get in the way of production, and challenges the myth that collar cut = proper pruning.

[Paul Cleaver]

The US is slow to adopt that proven guideline, as it might get in the way of production, and challenges the myth that collar cut = proper pruning.

 

WHAT!!!

 

Alex Shigo must be turning in his grave. It must be very frustrating for you in the US bud

[dgcunningham]

Graft cuttings from the crown onto the stem below the mechanical damage. If they take reduce the tree to below the sever wound and start again.

 

[mickdundee]

Graft cuttings from the crown onto the stem below the mechanical damage. If they take reduce the tree to below the sever wound and start again.

 

 

That sounds like it might be beyond my expertise but I'll mention it to him as an option if he got a pro in

[mickdundee]

if your in laws are fond of the tree and it has to go then i can turn it into bowls or something to remember it by rather than just firewood it.

 

This could be a solution as well Steve. I'll show him your work on the bowl thread

[treeseer]

The US is slow to adopt that proven guideline, as it might get in the way of production, and challenges the myth that collar cut = proper pruning.

WHAT!!!

 

Alex Shigo must be turning in his grave. It must be very frustrating for you in the US bud"

 

Yes the standards process is corporate-driven so change is mightily resisted.

Meanwhile Shigo's name is dragged through the mud; collar cuts are worshipped as "Shigo Cuts", though Dr. S. championed 'nodal pruning' as he recognised that most forks have no collar.