The thick layer of bark on trees protects them from pests and disease, as well as the elements. Unfortunately, tree trunks sometimes split down the middle. When this happens, even a small split can leave a tree at the mercy of pests, disease, and the weather. If you find that your tree has split down the middle, don't leave the wound unattended. Otherwise, your tree could weaken and die over time.
What causes trees to split?
Some tree species are especially prone to trunk splitting, especially multi-trunked trees such as the American elm, the Siberian larch, and the green ash. The structure of these trees can leave them prone to splitting at the trunk. Fluctuating temperatures also cause trunk splitting. As temperatures change, trees expand and contract, and this can cause a split to form in the trunk.
Pests, diseases, decay, and physical damage from storms can also lead to trunk splitting. As long as your split tree is not too badly damaged, a tree service can save it using two main methods: bracing and cabling.
Bracing to stabilize split sections
When a tree splits down its trunk, you need to help your tree heal the damage by closing the split as much as possible. You can do this with a technique known as bracing. A tree service can place stainless steel rods through the split sections of a split tree. Once the rods are bolted onto a tree, the split sections can be pulled together and stabilized.
With the bracing technique, a split tree has a chance to heal the damage. Once the damaged section has healed, the tree will then grow over the rods. However, if your tree split because of disease or decay, then bracing will not help because the trunk will be too weak to support the steel rods. If decay is the cause, you may need to remove your tree since it will eventually die from the wound.
Cabling to reduce the strain on the trunk
Cabling is used when a tree has a severe split due to heavy or awkward branches. With the cabling technique, a tree service can tie steel cables around the tree limbs that put pressure on the trunk to redistribute the weight of the branches. Sometimes, bracing and cabling work well together when a tree has suffered a severe split in the trunk.
Has your tree split down the trunk? Then call a tree service today. Bracing and cabling could save your tree and ensure it lives for many more years.
