How a Tree Surgery Company Mends a Split Tree Trunk

Conner John
5 min readNov 29, 2021

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Did you know that some trees can live to be thousands of years old?

If you do not take care of the trees in your garden, they can end up dying within a few years tops. Therefore, it is so important to take preventative measures and fix any damaged trees you come across.

Are you wondering what can be done about a broken tree? Keep reading to learn all about how a tree surgery company mends a split tree trunk.

Causes of a Split Tree Trunk

Before you investigate tree repair, it is important to familiarize yourself with the causes of a split tree trunk.

You may be surprised to learn that one cause is as simple as inclement weather. A wind that is too strong can force the two main arms of the trunk to spread wide. Once that happens, the wood will split down the middle and the arms will not come together again.

A split tree will only get worse with time. If left untreated, the tree could complete the split and fall to either side, causing damage to property and harming anyone who is in the way. Therefore, it is so crucial to call a dependable tree surgery company as soon as you notice the issue.

A condition known as “included bark” could also lead to a split tree trunk. Otherwise known as ingrown bark, the condition creates a “V” shape where it is more normal and healthier to have a sturdy “U” shape.

Since bark does not have the extra support of high fibre strength like inner wood, the connection between the two main tree branches will be much weaker. The ingrown area can often be more susceptible to decay. While some decay and rot are normal and should not give you cause for concern, you should always be on the lookout for cracks or fractures in this area.

The sooner you spot even the tiniest crack, the easier it will be to fix. Aside from cracks, you should only be worried about decay if it is reached an advanced stage.

At this point, the bark can become soft to the touch. Be sure to test it by poking it with a tool. You may even see fungal growth there.

The Split Tree Trunk Solution

Tree surgery might sound like the beginning of a joke, but it’s a real service that can save the life of your precious trees. For this fix, there is almost no getting around the need for cabling and bracing.

One of the hardest parts about split tree care is drilling deep holes in the trunk so that you can thread rods in there for support. This requires the tools and expertise of a professional, so you should be wary about trying it yourself without first-hand experience. In fact, the required drill often weighs close to seven kilograms.

There is a high likelihood of the drill’s bit getting stuck in the tree after you have drilled into it. In the hands of an amateur, it can be extremely difficult if not impossible to remove the drill from the tree’s trunk. Once all the holes are drilled, the professionals will then install the rods and cap them with both washers and nuts.

When it comes to the position of these rods, the professional will place one near the top of the tree’s split and one closer to the bottom. To reinforce security, a hammer is often used against the nuts.

Once the brace has been installed, most split trees need additional support. There is a lot of leverage from the top of the tree that needs a counteracting force. This is often accomplished by using a cable of static steel.

The static steel cable should start at the tree crown and pull in the opposite direction of the split. Depending on the severity of the split, your tree may need more than one cable and multiple braces. Even just one cable requires a lot of energy and expertise to install.

Trimming the Tree

While you should do tree pruning on a regular basis, this kind of care can also help a damaged tree thrive. Sometimes a split tree trunk requires a chainsaw or another heavy-duty tool. With it, you can get rid of some of the branches that are damaged but are not necessary for the tree’s overall health.

Do not worry, these branches can grow back better and stronger over time. The safest way to remove damaged branches is by creating a cut on the underside of the branch first. After this upward motion, you can cut the top of the branch in a downward motion but be sure the two cuts are aligned.

This is the safest way to cut a branch so that it falls straight down. Always ensure that people and belongings have been removed from anywhere under the tree before starting your cuts. To encourage growth and get rid of the remaining portion of the branch, you should make a third and final cut in a vertical motion and as close to the tree’s trunk as possible.

This will go a long way toward making the tree safer and healthier, but there is no avoiding the need for professional tree surgery as the main cure.

Are You Ready to Mend Your Split Tree Trunk?

Now that you have learned all about how a tree surgery company mends a split tree trunk, you can save any of the trees in your garden that are injured in this way. Since trees can raise the value of your property, it is always better to save them than to cut them down at the first sign of trouble.

If you are on the hunt for expert tree surgeons, look no further than our high-quality solutions. From tree surgery and pruning to stump grinding and hedge trimming, we are dedicated to making your gardens as beautiful and as healthy as can be.

For more information or to discuss your specific tree care needs, feel free to contact us. We’re here to help ensure your trees are cared for and maintained to the highest standards.

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Conner John
Conner John

Written by Conner John

Hi, my name is Conner John, I live in London and really enjoy writing articles on trees and gardening and work in the industry.

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