Split trunk on wax myrtle

[dom]

Hello,

A recent wind storm wreaked havoc on one of my wax myrtles that I planted last fall. A "Y' split down the middle and one large branch was completely blown off the tree.

The split trunk is one of the main trunks of the tree and I would like to save it if possible. I tied it up temporarily so the wind wouldn't do any more damage.
What are my options?

Up close:


Here you can tell it supports a major portion of the canopy as well as the void the broken branch left behind:


Thanks in advance,

Dom

[Dirt Doctor]

Dom
Heroic attempt, but - that entire stem should be cut off at the ground. No way it will heal and be strong. The other stems will fill out before you know it and give you a good tree. Pull that mulch back a little more and make sure the flare is above ground.

[dom]

Thanks Doc. I had a feeling that was going to be my answer...at least these trees grow quickly.

I'm in the process of exposing the flares of all of my trees; I thought I planted them high enough, but then I realized they were too deep in the containers to begin with...

Thanks again,

Dom

[dom]

You can't see it in the pics, but this split trunk is one part of a "Y" just above the ground. The split trunk has another branch probably 18" off the ground and I have currently cut off the main (split) branch just above this point so I could keep this other branch.

My questions is, should I go ahead and cut this branch further down, just above the "Y at the ground" or is it ok to leave it higher where it currently is? Will it be stronger and look better if the new branches start just above ground level?

Thanks,

Dom

[e Craig]

I haven't learned yet how to insert pics. Now that you have, if you would reveal your secret, we might be better able to discuss your suggested options, and more.

If I correctly read the second pic, it seems that the right side branch [with one wrap of the tie] could be saved. And maybe another above it, above the start of the split[?], if the cut is well placed.

For those who do not know, The "splinting" wrap of both sides of the split can only be very temporary. Left in place too long, it will ber harmful.

Hope that this helps and/or you can help w/ the pic inserts.

Take care.
Craig

[dom]

e Craig,

I set up a photobucket.com account to store my images online. From there, you simply select the pic, it automatically copies the url for you, and you paste it into your message like this to display an image (w/o spaces): [img] http://your_url_here.jpg [/img]

Here is a pic of what I was attempting to describe above:


You can see the cut I made several days ago. The branch I am trying to save is just behind the cut, coming off of the cut branch. Notice the base of this branch is a "Y" itself.

My question is, would it be better to sacrifice the smaller branch and cut the main branch lower to the ground in an attempt to get more, sturdier branches to start from the base of the tree?

Thanks again,

Dom

[Tony M]

I would cut that branch down to the lowest level and not leave that 10 inch staub sitcking up. I would also keep an eye on the branch to the left that has that big wound on it. May have to cut that if the branch starts to turn.
Tony M