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| This is a huge oak tree, with about 2' diameter. It is very healthy with dark green leaves every year.
But the problem is that, there is some decay inside the trunk. I think one large limb fell and the decay started from the old wound many years ago. The decay is about 8" diameter and I can put my fist inside the cave. But I do not see any new decay or wood shaving from inside the tree. So what condition and state of this tree? Do you think the decay has stopped and the tree will stay healthy from here? Or the old decay will continue to eventually make the tree unsafe? The tree is far away from house. We spend some time near the tree, but not so much. In general wee stay away from all trees when there is any strong wind or rainstorm. We have two other small decaying trees that we see still send out wood shavings. But we hardly go near the other two trees. And they all put out healthy growth. |
Follow-Up Postings:
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| Hard to tell whether the decay will continue or not. Even if it does, it doesn't mean it will collapse randomly. It will probably collapse in a strong wind at some point, though. The hollowness just increases the odds. If its not in danger of falling on anything or anyone else's property, then you might as well leave it and let nature run its course. At least, that's what I'd do. |
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| An oak tree can live with a hollow stump for hundreds of years. Oak trees are made for it, even if other trees are not. A decaying spruce for example will soon die and fall. |
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| Should we hire a tree doctor to treat the tree and fill the cavity? As I said, I do not see any new decay and the tree has been very healthy ever since we moved here. |
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- Posted by ken_adrian z5 (My Page) on Sun, Jun 24, 12 at 8:50
| hi you need to spend the money.. to get the opinion of an ASA certified tree guy ... we can offer no real advice.. .. long distance.. especially.. W/O pix ... but even that doesnt matter.. you need someone with eyes on ... we do NOT fill cavities.. its not a tooth ... if a tree falls in the forest.. who cares ... if it literally.. will harm nothing.. because it is far enough away from you ... then i see no reason for prophylactic removal ... [but that includes your neighbors.. even if you hate them.. lol] ... it is highly worthwhile to hire a local guy for an opinion.. and i am not talking about some tree cutter.. you need the certified guy ... if this were hanging over the house.. i am one to recommend removal.. but since there is no real risk... not his time ken |
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- Posted by toronado3800 Z6 St. Louis (My Page) on Sun, Jun 24, 12 at 10:06
| There is a hollow tree along I 70 near Cave Springs in St Charles that has been hollow for as long as I have been driving (couple decades). Someone filled it with concrete to no real avail back in the day. He should be the man who has to use a chainsaw around that mistake! |
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- Posted by wisconsitom 4/5 WI (My Page) on Sun, Jun 24, 12 at 12:55
| Ken meant ISA-International Society of Arboriculture-now you know why we prefer to just say ISA! For sure no cavity filling. That tech has been found deficient for many decades now. Also, as has been mentioned, even a hollow tree can stand for years in that condition. The cylinder is a very strong shape! But, there is simply no way at present to accurately predict when that tree will fail..er....fall. It really could be long after ken adrian, wisconsitom, and a bunch of others are long gone, or it could be later this afternoon! +oM |
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