It's important to address cracks promptly to prevent further damage and to promote the tree's healing

Here is what we suggest: 

Remove Damaged or Dead Wood – Trim any branches or portions of the trunk that are dead or severely damaged. This helps reduce the risk of disease and encourages the tree to allocate resources to healthy areas.

Clean the Wound – If there are loose or torn bark edges around the split, carefully trim them with clean, sharp pruning shears. Create clean edges to promote proper healing.

Apply a Tree Wound Dressing – While there is some debate about the effectiveness of tree wound dressings, applying a thin layer of an appropriate dressing may help protect the exposed wood and minimize the risk of infection. Give us a call for advice on suitable wound dressings.

Supporting the Split – For vertical splits, consider installing support hardware, such as cables or braces, to reduce the risk of further splitting. This is particularly important for valuable or mature trees. 

Monitor for Signs of Stress – Keep a close eye on the tree for signs of stress, such as wilting, yellowing leaves, or dieback. These symptoms may indicate that the split is affecting the tree's health. Be sure to inquire about our Tree Maintenance Program if you'd like one of our ISA-certified arborists to perform a twice annual inspection of your trees. 

Promote Overall Tree Health – Implement practices to promote the overall health of the tree. Ensure proper watering, fertilization, and pest management to reduce stress and enhance the tree's ability to recover.

Consider Tree Removal – In severe cases where the split is compromising the structural integrity of the tree, removal may be the safest option. Be sure to inquire about our tree removal services. 

Remember that the ability of a tree to recover from a split depends on factors such as the tree species, its age, and overall health. Taking prompt and appropriate action can significantly improve the tree's chances of recovery.

If the split is extensive, if it involves a major structural branch, or if you are unsure about the best course of action, please give us a call for a free on-site assessment from one of our ISA-certified arborists. We can accurately access the severity of the split, provide recommendations, and perform necessary interventions.