A splitting tree can be a serious concern for homeowners, especially when large branches begin to separate or the trunk develops a deep crack. Trees splitting can occur due to strong winds, heavy snow, improper pruning, disease, or weak branch connections. Unattended the damage may escalate and pose a greater risk of falling branches or tree failure.
The good news is that some splitting trees can be saved with the right care. The best solution depends on the size of the tree, the place where the split has occurred, and the damage. In this guide, you’ll learn how to fix a splitting tree, identify the warning signs, and prevent further damage.
Identify the Cause of the Tree Splitting
Before attempting to repair a splitting tree, determine what caused the damage. Knowing the problem behind the problem can make you select the safest and most effective solution.
Common causes include:
Extreme weather: Strong wind, storms, ice and heavy snow may exert too much pressure on the branches and trunks.
Weak branch connections: Trees that have two main stems that grow out of the same point can have narrow weak connections that can rupture under pressure.
Excessive weight: Thick branches, thick foliage, and imbalanced growth may put a strain on the tree.
Disease and decay: Fungal infections, insect damage, and internal rot may weaken the wood and increase the likelihood of splitting.
Improper pruning: Poor pruning practices can encourage weak growth or leave branches vulnerable to breaking.
Assess the Severity of the Split
Not all split trees are the same. A tiny break in a branch can be easily handled, but a deep split in the trunk can pose a risk to the stability of the tree.
Small branches that are split can be healed with the help of the damaged part being pruned correctly. Nevertheless, when a significant division between two trunks or a crack that runs deep into the main trunk is involved, it is usually necessary to have it evaluated professionally.
Watch out to the following warning signs:
- A widening crack in the trunk.
- Big branches breaking off.
- Unfixed or floating pieces of wood.
- Much bark damage or bare internal wood.
- Mushrooms, spongy wood or other decay indicators around the split.
Prune Damaged Branches Carefully
When the damage is confined to smaller branches, pruning may be used to decrease the weight and stress on a splitting tree.
Begin by finding broken, dead or badly damaged branches. Take away only the branches to be dealt with, and cut off cleanly just above the branch collar, where the branch joins the trunk or a larger limb.
Avoid cutting too close to the trunk or leaving long stubs. The two practices are capable of disrupting the healing of wounds. Do not cut off a big part of the tree canopy at a time, too much pruning will make the tree even weaker.
Important safety tip: Do not attempt to cut large, overhead, or tension-loaded branches yourself. These branches can move unexpectedly and cause serious injuries. Hire a qualified arborist for work involving heavy limbs, ladders, or chainsaws.
Support the Split With Professional Tree Cabling
Tree cabling and bracing can sometimes stabilize a tree with weak branch unions or multiple stems that are beginning to separate.
Cabling is the process of installing special support cables between the chosen branches or stems. Bracing can include threaded rods that go through certain areas of a damaged union. These systems assist in restricting movement and decrease the chances of additional separation.
However, it can be cabled and braced. They are not able to make a badly rotted tree safe or fix a wobbly tree in all cases.
The tree structure should be evaluated by a certified arborist who will decide whether or not support systems are suitable. Poorly fitted cables, ropes, or bolts may harm the tree and cause more hazards.
Never use common rope, wire, or domestic straps to drag a big split trunk together. These resources cannot be a reliable alternative to professionally developed tree support systems.
Protect the Wound and Improve Tree Health
After a split occurs, proper tree care can help the tree recover and reduce additional stress. Although you generally cannot close a large wound yourself, you can create better conditions for healthy growth.
Follow these practices:
Water appropriately: Deep watering should be given in dry seasons, and the frequency of watering should be changed according to the tree species, soil and weather.
Apply mulch: Sprinkle organic mulch over the root zone, but not touching the trunk.
Avoid unnecessary chemicals: Do not use wound paint, tar, or sealants without a qualified professional prescribing a particular treatment.
Protect the roots: Avoid digging, compacting soil, or driving heavy equipment near the tree.
Monitor for pests and disease: Watch for unusual leaf loss, dead branches, fungal growth, and worsening cracks.
Know When to Call a Professional
Some splitting trees can be managed with routine pruning, but serious structural damage requires professional attention.
Contact a certified arborist if the split extends into the main trunk, two major stems are separating, the tree is leaning unexpectedly, or large branches threaten buildings, vehicles, or people.
In case the tree is close to power lines, keep away and call the utility company. Do not cut or stabilize a tree that is in contact with electrical wires.
In some cases, removing the tree may be the safest option, especially when the trunk is heavily split, the root system is damaged, or the structure has been greatly weakened by decay. An arborist may be able to evaluate the risks and whether it is better to repair, monitor or remove.
Prevent Future Tree Splitting
It is more convenient to avoid splitting trees than to cope with significant structural losses. Trees can be maintained regularly to grow stronger connections between the branches and to resist the environmental stress.
Young trees should be pruned adequately to promote a balanced form and minimise competing leaders. Check the mature trees following the extreme storms and attend to the dead or damaged branches before they pose a danger.
Select tree species that are appropriate to your local climate and space to grow. Topping of trees should be avoided as this will promote weakly rooted regrowth and result in higher maintenance requirements in the future.
Also, maintain healthy soil, protect the root zone, and avoid excessive pruning. Schedule periodic inspections for large trees near homes, driveways, and other frequently used areas.
