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Sat, Nov 10, 12 at 18:19
| Hello. I just noticed that my Dwarf Japanese Maple has a substantial crack in one of the main branches where it meets the trunk. I've attached a photo, and was hoping that some wonderful tree loving soul could offer some advice on how I can save this branch that amounts to 1/3 of the tree. If I lose this branch, the tree would be irreparably lopsided. Please help! Other than this crack, that branch seems to be healthy and happy. The tree is all of 3 feet tall, and is probably about 3 1/2 years old. I suspect that this crack has been there for some time. Would a small bolt with a few washers be the answer?
Thanks in advance for any advice you may have. -Peter |
Follow-Up Postings:
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| The tree isn't going to grow back together just because you pull it back together and bolt it, but, the bolting may keep the wound from getting worse (at least for some period of time). If you choose to try the idea, use stainless steel bolts and washers. Go as large as you think you can get away with, because the tree will continue to grow and the branch will get heavier. Countersink the washers so that they rest on xylem, not bark. |
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- Posted by akamainegrower none (My Page) on Sun, Nov 11, 12 at 6:04
| Good advice from brandon7 if you choose to install a bolt. This sort of crack is, unfortunately, fairly common in Japanese maples, especially the weeping types. If it were me, I think I would avoid drilling through the main trunk to install a bolt. This puts the entire tree at some risk. Leaving things as they are and hoping for the best would at least mean the survival of 2/3's of the tree. If you live in an area where snow and ice are possibilities in the winter, I'd definitely install either a shelter for the entire tree or a "crutch" for the branch. The weight of snow/ice would make things worse and possibly result in a complete break. |
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| I really want to give this tree a chance, so I think I'll forgo the bolt. I like the crutch idea. I may do that for the winter months. We do get snow, and a lot of it tends to be the heavy wet variety. Thanks for the advice. -Peter |
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- Posted by ken_adrian z5 (My Page) on Sun, Nov 11, 12 at 9:18
| If I lose this branch, the tree would be irreparably lopsided. ==>> no it wont.. it will react to proper removal.. and develop into a new shape .. and frankly.. in my world.. that is what growing specimen trees is all about.. your failure/worry .. at this point.. is thinking statically ... why are you fearing the future??? if properly pruned ... the wound will heal.. and the tree will get on with life .. with doing its thing ... with the snow threat.. i would cut it off now ... before it tears down the side.. making an even worse wound ... if you are willing to do such.. we can then discuss how to do it ... ken |
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- Posted by akamainegrower none (My Page) on Sun, Nov 11, 12 at 9:50
| I should have included this in my first post. I have a Japanese maple that began to exhibit a similar crack, although perhaps closer to the ground, about 4 years ago. I was prepared to lose the branch and perhaps the entire tree. At this point it is about 75 to 80% healed with no intervention on my part except for a forked stick as a rudimentary crutch. Plants do want to live and have remarkable powers of self-healing if given the chance. I wish you the best of luck with your tree. |
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| So much to think about. I truly appreciate all of this advice. I'll post a reply outlining what I plan on doing. -Peter |
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