RedQueenie

Thank you for all your replies. I think you have made it abundantly clear that I should take it out and start again, but is there anything I can do to give it a slim chance of survival? Would the wound heal over time given the proper care?

We have had it for roughly 10 years. It has always looked sorry for its self. I can understand thinking it may be strimmer damage, but we have never owned a strimmer and it is set away from the lawn for the mower to get anywhere near. The damaged bit feels firm still. Could using Medo or a wood hardener protect it from further deterioration?

Can you tell me why you think that please?

Hiya, I'm hoping someone may be able to offer some advise on our Rowan tree. We have had it for quite a few years and it has never really done that well. While clearing around it today we noticed the bottom of the trunk looks different to the rest of it. I'm worried it's rotten and that we will have to get rid which I'm loathed to do as the birds love the berries. I have attached some photos of the trunk and leaves.