STORM DAMAGE TO CEDAR ELM

dforsyth · Joined: 02 Sep 2005 Posts: 2 Location: Lewisville,TEXAS

I HAVE A 20 YEAR OLD CEDAR ELM, APPROXIMATELY 50 FEET TALL. THE HIGH WINDS ON MONDAY, JUNE 4 CAUSED A MAJOR LIMB TO SPLIT AT THE CROTCH IN THE TREE AND BREAK OFF. THERE ARE TWO OTHER MAJOR LIMBS FROM THE CROTCH THAT SURVIVED. WILL THE TREE WOUND TREATMENT HELP THE TREE TO SURVIVE, OR SHOULD WE TAKE THE TREE DOWN COMPLETELY?

forsytd

e Craig · Posted: Sun Jun 10, 2007 3:15 am Post subject:

The tree will likely survive, in some fashion or structure.

The real question[s] are many, and complicated,
> Do you want the tree to survive, given its current structure?
> What are the potential strengths and weaknesses of the structure?
> Will the weaknesses pose a danger or hazard to surrounding people, structures, etc.?
> Will you find the surviving structure pleasing or helpful?
> Can you do anything to minimize the damage, help the tree survive, gain in strength, regain balance, etc.?

Suggest that you examine and discuss this with someone who understands a tree's strengths, growth habits, its recovery methods, available remedies, etc.

For more long distance help, pics would help.

Take care.
Craig

Tony M · Joined: 31 Mar 2003 Posts: 1088 Location: McKinney,TEXAS

I lost a 20 yr old Cedar Elm during one of the last storms also. About half the tree split away. I decided to take the entire tree out because it would never look right and too much of the interior of the tree had been exposed. I think Craig gave you some good points to think about.
Tony M

e Craig · Posted: Sun Jun 10, 2007 12:05 pm Post subject:

Tony,
Thanks for your kind remarks. I always appreciate your insights.

Perhaps to avoid someone misinterpreting your tree's symptoms, may I elucidate?

As Dr. Shigo and others have pointed out, any tree you see is really two trees, a dead tree inside a live one. We see thie dead tree only after the live tree is damaged, whether by storm, accident, or pruning, etc. The main keys to survival would be the condition of the live tree and the shape and width (not the area) of the wound. A moderately damaged live tree, will expand to cover the exposed interior.

I was shown a large (> 6 foot diameter) Ash that had, years before, not succombed to a bulldozer. They said that the 'dozer stripped all the bark off one side of the trunk. By the time I saw it, there was no exposed wood and it was difficult to determine which side of the tree had been damaged!

Take care.
Craig

dforsyth · Joined: 02 Sep 2005 Posts: 2 Location: Lewisville,TEXAS

Thanks for the input and food for thought on whether to try and save the cedar elm. It is currently at no risk to either my neighbor's house of anyone walking underneath. The two main branches still on the tree are not very attractive and will make the tree lean, so we will most likely take the tree down.

Deborah