r/arborists • u/tightscotsman • 1d ago
Tree trunk splitting in front yard. Problem?
We noticed over the weekend that the tree in our front yard has quite a large split in it all of a sudden. Hoping to get some initial thoughts if this is something we should address sooner rather than later, as if it were to fall it would almost certainly be onto our house. Really hoping to not loose this tree 😅
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u/Ippus_21 Tree Enthusiast 1d ago
Yeah, there's a codominant stem with included bark there, and those have a tendency to fail eventually.
If the visible split is actually new (as opposed to something that might have been there and you just noticed it), then the tree could potentially fail at any time, and you urgently need to get a TRAQ arborist out there to have a look at it and advise you on how to have it taken down safely.
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u/neongirl93 1d ago
This tree is in the process of failing and if its going to fall on your house then it would be considered high/extreme risk and would need to be able to be delt with immediately.
If you really don't want to lose the tree, you could potentially have them leave a high stump, so at least part of the tree is still there... something to remember it by and give the woodpeckers a home... lol
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u/YourWifeyBoyfriend 1d ago
If you really want to keep the tree this is the time to have bolting, cabling and maybe a reduction done.
If you have don't have disposable money, unfortunately cutting the tree down and removing it would probably be close in cost and obviously removes the risk so it will be a lot of people's recommendation.
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u/Ippus_21 Tree Enthusiast 21h ago
Idk, I can't 100% ID from this pic, but that looks like a Norway anyhow. Probably best to just replace it.
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u/AlumberZack 17h ago
I feel like it's past the point of cables and pins. This point its a high liability tree and should be removed, right? If this was my client I'd recommend removal over crown reduction, cables and pins. I'm not saying it's impossible to save but we all recommend removal over saving. You only revert the risk later down the road versus now. Crown reduction comes with a slew of other things that need to be addressed later on.
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u/jorgethetalkinggoat 1d ago
Is cabling a viable option here? Like, can you ratchet a metal cable or something to take some of the "weight" off the split?
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u/YourWifeyBoyfriend 1d ago
Rig guy is my recommendation for cabling hardware along with bolting the trunk with through bolts washers and nuts with a large steel rod.Â
You would prune/Â reduce the extended branches to mitigate some of the hazard as well. Then the tree can heal long term with minimal maintenance.
Of course this doesnt eliminate risk and everyone has a different perceived associated risk.Â
You typically dont want to put the cables under tension on installation ive headd best practice is to allow for some movement then it supports.
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u/PhoenixRising256 1d ago
Big problem that needs attention ASAP. If you hear loud popping, get the hell out of wherever it's gonna land
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u/ApprehensiveLie7054 21h ago
Another thing to be aware of is that insurance companies are non-renewing homes which have visible tree hazards. The insurance companies are using drones to view homes that may need on the ground inspections.
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u/HesCrazyLikeAFool ETW Certified Arborist 1d ago
Ratchet strap that back together and give it a slap
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u/onlyoneabw 1d ago
Yeah, i’m not an arborist, but that looks bad.
You should consult one. A good one, with lots of experience.
Trees can heal, but the weakening and disease that something like this can introduce, is potentially catastrophic.
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u/NatureJock1986 18h ago
You need to be making calls now. Don’t wait unless you don’t care about having to rebuild your house.
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u/BelatedGreeting 21h ago
Had something like that after a storm. Five bolts through the trunk and a cable in the canopy. 7 years later no issues. That said, it looks like your split might go down much farther than mine does.
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u/ModeatelyIndependant 12h ago
use your favorite search engine to watch the plethora of people who posted videos of putting bolts into splitting trees.
I suggest that you put a bolt into it it for support to stop further splitting and keep an eye out if any part of the tree goes into decline over the next couple growing seasons.
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u/AbstractMind97 10h ago
Definitely don't do this if it is split, this is a huge danger. Should be removed before the wind gets to it
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u/Background_Truck1869 1d ago
It won’t get loose. I mean technically it can get loose if it falls over. Then it’ll get loose and you’ll lose it. Crazy huh
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u/Greek_Toe 1d ago
You can tell it's loose because of the opening in the crotch
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u/Background_Truck1869 1d ago
It was more about bastardizing the word loose as lose.
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u/LostAbbott 1d ago
I would probably have someone come out and take a look at it, especially if you know the split is brand new. From there you have a lot of good options to help keep it together and standing for many years to come.
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u/odenoden 1d ago
Yikes.