As you drive up to your property, the exposed wood of a mangled tree catches your eye. How did that happen? And can a tree survive a split trunk?
Frank’s Arborcare LLC is your trusted source of tree services in Lewisboro, NY. Below, the team explores why those big tree crevices happen and whether arborists can fix your tree.
What Makes Tree Trunks Split?
Countless natural forces can cause dramatic tree trunk splitting. Not all of it happens with powerful weather events. Sometimes, splits happen with small, unseen things, such as tree diseases that put the tree’s strength to the test.
Can a tree survive a split trunk? That depends on the cause, so let’s examine some of these forces below.
Tree Pests and Diseases
It’s ironic that tiny critters and invisible organisms can cause incredible damage, but it’s something to bear in mind when assessing your tree’s split trunk. Tunneling insects drill into the tree trunk, weakening the wood. The trunk might have split because it can no longer support these invasive pests.
If there is a preexisting wound or section of deadwood, opportunistic fungal and bacterial infections might do their work. As the infection spreads, the wood rots. The deadened section then splits off from the living part.
Lightning Strikes
In locations like Lewisboro, New York, the residents are no strangers to powerful summer storms. Lightning bolts may go right through tall, mature trees as the intense electrical current speeds toward the ground. Some strikes leave minimal, barely noticeable damage; others may rip the trunk clean in half.
Frosty Weather
Do winter temperatures plummet into the teens? When the sun rises again, it rapidly warms your frozen tree. A tree’s trunk might split because of the heat quickly expanding the wood.
Lopsided Weight Distribution
Can a tree survive a split trunk? If it splits due to uneven weight distribution or lopsided sun exposure, it might have strong enough branch growth on one side for strategic pruning. A professional tree assessment can calculate tree survival chances.
Can a Tree Survive a Split Trunk Alone?
Ignored or badly managed tree wounds leave the specimen exposed to infections and rot. Does a big vertical split extend along the tree’s length? That leaves a huge area at the mercy of the elements.
Without intervention, wound healing siphons resources needed for upward growth, which can compromise structural integrity. Why not get the tree some help?
Arborists Can Help a Split Tree Heal
An arborist can often facilitate a full tree recovery from a split trunk with a multi-faceted approach. For instance:
- Cabling and bracing reinforce detached sections to keep the tree together.
- Wound care protects exposed heartwood from pests, dampness, and UV rays.
- Balanced fertilization and hydration nourish the healing tree.
Pest prevention is also crucial to keep bugs, bacteria, and fungi away while the tree is weak.
Frank’s Arborcare LLC Can Assist With Your Plant Health Care Journey in Lewisboro, New York
Can a tree survive a split trunk? Ask Frank’s Arborcare LLC about this and other topics, like understanding black maple tree trunks. Call us at 203-423-9523.
