5

In a recent storm two large branches broke off of my tree. They broke off right at the trunk, so I can't cut it back further to make it a clean cut. is there anything I should do to help protect the rest of the tree?

Broken limbs of tree.

EDIT: Here are some pictures that were requested:

The tree is in Southwest Ohio, near Cincinnati.

Tree as a whole. You can see essentially the whole back half came down. From the front of the tree though it still looks good. Side view of tree

Side view of the broken section so you can get a better idea of how thick the tree is there: (Couldn't get a good side view because other branches were in the way.) Side a break

Leaf: leaf of tree

Improve this question

1 Answer 1

Reset to default
1

Major bummer! There is not one thing you can do. No painting or sealing. All you can do now is wait to see if what got left for the vascular system will be able to deliver enough water and chemicals to support the canopy above that damage.

Where is it that you live? Have you ever used the Cooperative Extension Service of your nearest University? One thing you could actually do is to call them to get an arborist out to check this tree. Very inexpensive.

I'd also call your Homeowner Association. This looks as if it is in your front lawn which is also under the auspices of your HOA. If this is one of the 'street or frontage' trees they are kind of in charge. Appearance is everything to the HOA. They dictate what kind of trees are in the front yards, the colors of the homes...I am guessing a Linden tree?

If the canopy above that damage is fairly large...looks like it might be...this tree could also be deemed dangerous. Check these two organizations out and let us know what they say. Another picture of the entire tree would be very helpful, as well as a closeup of those leaves!

Improve this answer
14
  • The exact same thing happened to a friends tree a few days ago- I would recommend removing the tree altogether- it could be structurally dangerous, it looks as if the breakage has gone directly into the core of the trunk- and with time it could lead to further damage in high winds- best remove to avoid any danger- sorry about the bad news.
    – olantigh
    Jul 15, 2017 at 19:47
  • 1
    I agree, this tree has a bad structure with many instances of included bark which are not strong attachment point. This tree could shed further branches sooner rather than later. Consider replacing with different species from a quality supplier
    – kevinskio ♦
    Jul 15, 2017 at 19:54
  • This is exactly why I mentioned contacting the HOA about this tree. They might raise a huge hissyfit with any other species THEY did not allow! Sadly, OUR property is never OUR property.
    – stormy
    Jul 15, 2017 at 22:50
  • 1
    @stormy the original poster does not mention an HOA. Relevant if they have one but not otherwise
    – kevinskio ♦
    Jul 16, 2017 at 10:55
  • What development does not have an HOA? Grins. Great pictures he sent us...The damage doesn't look as bad as I was thinking. He's got 3 major trunks, and if only this one dies, he's got the other two. But why did he lose the entire side of this tree?
    – stormy
    Jul 16, 2017 at 21:42

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge that you have read and understand our privacy policy and code of conduct.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.