Gorilla tape. Epoxy. Fiber-glass. Cyanoacrylate. Blood and starch. Layer many in no specific order as you would a lasagna. Spices, ricotta, well-wishes, hopes and sweet-dreams. I'm forgetting some key ingredients... ymmv
We can't see the top so we don't know if it's even alive. Assuming it is, there are other complications.
There's rot at the point where the branches joined together. Probably hastened the split.
Also the long vertical splits are not at branch connections where there are reaction collars that will grow over a wound.
And even if it did heal up it would basically be only right under the bark. The inner wood is not going to grow or heal.
It's doomed.
Not an arborist though.
It would look beautiful with a native plant garden around it, with organic mulch out past the branches, colorful native plants, and a few benches and pathways (that are placed carefully for safety reasons). It'd be like having your own botanical garden.
Looks like a weak union at the top of the split where there was most likely a cavity with included bark that filled with dirt and debris causing a weak point. Seems like it was just a matter of time before it split
Yes, as long as the roots and vasculature system (cambium layer known as xylem and phloem) stay intact. The cambium is located in a thin layer just under the bark, followed by a layer of still living sapwood, and then the center is made up of dead wood called heartwood.
Now the heartwood is exposed, so that will rot and eventually expose the sapwood and cambium. This does shorten the tree's life, but because they often live such a long time, it could still live for years or even decades.
Examples I just found on reddit:
[This fallen tree is just growing differently.](https://old.reddit.com/r/mildlyinteresting/comments/2iva2f/this_fallen_tree_is_just_growing_differently/)
[This fallen tree has kept growing](https://old.reddit.com/r/mildlyinteresting/comments/8rm4rj/this_fallen_tree_has_kept_growing/)
Plus, the rotting heartwood becomes a home for wildlife, so it could "live on" in that way. Its why forest management often means leaving standing deadwood, known as snags, provided they're not a risk to anyone or anything.
real answer: if the phloem did not break , then most of these will probably survive if left untouched. Anything that doesn't have a clean channel of water/nutrients from the soil should be cut.
-Rano asked the same and ImOnlySuperHuman answered. Here's a link to the convo.
https://old.reddit.com/r/arborists/comments/1dl739h/can_this_tree_be_saved/l9mvouw/
Looks like it's in a public space. I'm wondering if the tree can be left as-is as a landscape feature. Don't have to worry about it falling on anything now. Kids and kids-at-heart will love climbing on it.
My neighbor's tree looks just like this one would have pre-split. You can see the rot in the same place where it's dark on that one. It sheds chunks and wood chips and the center branch already fell in an ice storm. It's right next to the property line and would take out more thanhalf of my house if it were to split.
Podunk local tree service came out last year and drilled hooks in it for wires that hold it all together near the top. I was kind of hoping it wold take out my house (when no one's home) so I could start over lol.
Would it be possible to use a Crane, pull 2 sections together drill and place some 3/4 stainless rod with large plates….repeat process with final section?
Yes. I did something similar with a 25 foot umbrella tree that split into three. Heavily pruned the canopy to lighten it. Cinched the trunk pieces into place. Bolted two rods with big washers through the tree to secure the trunk together. Tree thrived and survived until the entire tree blew over in a storm. Had to warn the tree removal people about the bolts because they were no longer visible from the outside.
I’m no arborist, but it looks like each section looks like it’s got plenty of bark and is still connected to the root system. If the split wasn’t fatally stressful, I think there’s a chance this could recover and end up looking super weird and badass.
We had lighting strike a tree in our yard and take out a 20 ft slab off the side 15 years ago. The pair of trees we had were so big and old, they meant a lot to us. So we tried painting like a tar/rubber over the exposed inner wood. It still lives!
Dont know if it actually did anything but in theory it prevents mold growing or bugs getting into the underbark.
There is a tree in Georgia like this. It was left alone, and now a new tree is growing from the middle. And it's growing like crazy because of the massive root system supprting it.
Aside from trying to be funny, this is really amazing and very sad though the rot must have been obvious from what looks like a topped tree at one time
I'm honestly wondering how it would die off from here. Not if, but how. If you kept mowing under the arches and stuff or left the area completely untouched even and let it dry out and become snag
Depending on what sort of tree it is, it could still grow new branches. If the branches touch the ground, it could form a new cirkel of trees. This is a normal cycle of tree life that we just don’t get to see anymore. If you don’t want it to rot too fast, apply Trichoderma.
Perfect failure. I want to see inside. there's a ball of soil 3ft wide, not that it was the reason for failure. nobody ever seems to consider removing all of the decayed muck out of branch joints as standard arboriculture.
There’s a ln Osage Orange tree in a park near by that was hit by lightning and burned for a half a day. But, it survived. So I guess it’s possible. As long as the root/bark are intact.
With a deafening rip, the tree tore apart, revealing the figure standing in the center. As it ran from the scene, I could barely make out in the distance, "... am Groot!"
this is the type of posts that have a higher reach and are actually useless. i've seen a lot of posts with people that are indeed in need for help with a specific question and there's not a single comment. after that, they're all forgotten.
does someone know a better subreddit where people can actually be helpful?
Thank you for the advice everyone! I'm going to head out to buy [a pallet of flex tape to try to save the tree.](https://www.dkhardware.com/flex-seal-dtblkmixst-30-tape-duct-mixed-display-product-7533225.html?utm_source=google&utm_medium=shopping&utm_campaign=free_listings&srsltid=AfmBOoo2VQgeBwk2o8w1at4L_0rCC5wUiRg6Vq33XWHr4-DeK34REnaWE3E)
If this is actually your tree, please consider leaving it as standing deadwood, also known as a snag. They're great for wildlife, and this one is a particularly unique shape that can act as a centerpiece and conversation piece for the yard.
While mulch won't help the tree (obviously), it would look beautiful as a native plant garden, with organic mulch out past the branches, short, colorful native plants, and a few benches and pathways (that are placed carefully for safety reasons). It'd be like having your own botanical garden.
I wouldn't cut off any of it. It looks more interesting with three. I also wouldn't paint it, so as to leave it for wildlife. It could still go slowly, so OP might even get some leaves for years at the rate it can take, and that's good enough for those shitty companies that top a tree or mulch a volcano.
Just push all 3 pieces back together, wrap some Flex Tape around the trunk to keep it all together, and it'll be as good as new in no time!
Seems like a boat with that wood could be an option!
Good news, we got wood to make boats!
Three boats…
This is my favorite gif to throw i to random subs.
It’s so versatile and can be used in a variety of situations Am I talking about the gif or flex tape? We’ll never know…
Wait til you learn one of them comes in brushable liquid form.
FLEXSEAL
It’s literally still leaking after. 😂
You forgot to finish with a slap and declaration of ‘that’s not going anywhere’
Crucial missed step, too. Guaranteed to split again at that point.
Yup, forgot to note the wood glue.
Gorillas wood glue
Titebond 3
The incantation
Can only make that statement when using ratchet straps. Tie it town, tug on the strap, declare "that ain't goin anywhere".
Again it seems like people are split on their recommendations…
This is a punderappreciated comment.
No that won’t work, you need to use duck tape
super glue and duct tape is the correct answer.
ramen super glue and duct tape
I was thinking some wood glue
Should I romance the wood-chucks first? Let them in my garden, mulberry trees? It's hot out. Ice-skating?
Actually, you need to break out the epoxy for this one.
Gorilla tape. Epoxy. Fiber-glass. Cyanoacrylate. Blood and starch. Layer many in no specific order as you would a lasagna. Spices, ricotta, well-wishes, hopes and sweet-dreams. I'm forgetting some key ingredients... ymmv
The funny part is if it was actually possible to do that, there is a chance it would work. Trees can be astonishingly resilient
If it was a poplar, you could probably just leave it as is and it would start growing in the spring.
I think this is when they use concrete. Just encase the entire thing in concrete and then it'd be Schroedinger's tree.
JB Weld
Bailing wire. It has worked for decades.
This is actually true. This tree has plenty of wire supports to preserve it and is a marvel to see! https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Comfort_Maple
Baling twine and duct tape. My barn runs on that shit, that and the occasional use of vet wrap and you can fix most anything.
Don't forget to sprinkle cinnamon to prevent infections.
Dude, you didn't mention the most important part. After taping, you *must* slap the side of the tree and say "yeah, she's not going anywhere."
Could you actually ratchet this back together and would it heal?
We can't see the top so we don't know if it's even alive. Assuming it is, there are other complications. There's rot at the point where the branches joined together. Probably hastened the split. Also the long vertical splits are not at branch connections where there are reaction collars that will grow over a wound. And even if it did heal up it would basically be only right under the bark. The inner wood is not going to grow or heal. It's doomed. Not an arborist though.
If it's still green at the ends it's possible it could still feed and just be a cool tree as positioned.
True. It would start growing upward from the ends. I was thinking a raised deck in the middle or a gazebo would be cool.
It would look beautiful with a native plant garden around it, with organic mulch out past the branches, colorful native plants, and a few benches and pathways (that are placed carefully for safety reasons). It'd be like having your own botanical garden.
BILLY MAYS HERE
JB weld and chewing gum?
To show you the power of flex tape……
This guy flexes but does not know this is a job for duct tape.
Some wood glue in the middle and that baby ain’t goin nowhere
I second Flex Tape, but make sure it's the wide kind, saves you some laps.
Whats funny about this, in my eyes, is that in theory, something like that could actually work, if done quick enough after the split.
Flex tape won’t hold it. OP will need to use nylon zip ties.
That’s actually a Stranger Things mind flayer.
😵😣🫣
It’s an Ent the morning after a successful Timbr hookup
> Timbr [Very close!](https://www.reddit.com/r/puns/comments/cx63n5/i_wood_split_it_too/)
Phloem? I just met ‘em
r/nsfwplants
Stranger things spoiler: >!this tree is what Max’s limbs looked like after the season 4 finale!<
[удалено]
And don’t forget to mulch it, but expose the root flare and then remove the mulch because why would you mulch and hey put that mulch back
[удалено]
You need to donut the root collar into a volcanoe.
I've never seen this sub before but this is the kind of tomfoolery I live for.
This comment is clearly a joke because it didn’t once mention root flare
I see no mention of girdling roots 🤔
I love girdled roots. A little garlic, thyme, and basil in some olive oil...tastes delic- wait...
How did that happen?
Overfertilized
Isn't it sunburn?
No one peed on it
Looks like a weak union at the top of the split where there was most likely a cavity with included bark that filled with dirt and debris causing a weak point. Seems like it was just a matter of time before it split
> a cavity with included bark that filled with dirt and debris and retained moisture, which led to rot
As always, moisture is the real culprit.
So this could have just happened without human intervention???? Trees are so fascinating!
Is it possible this would keep growing as is?
Yes, as long as the roots and vasculature system (cambium layer known as xylem and phloem) stay intact. The cambium is located in a thin layer just under the bark, followed by a layer of still living sapwood, and then the center is made up of dead wood called heartwood. Now the heartwood is exposed, so that will rot and eventually expose the sapwood and cambium. This does shorten the tree's life, but because they often live such a long time, it could still live for years or even decades. Examples I just found on reddit: [This fallen tree is just growing differently.](https://old.reddit.com/r/mildlyinteresting/comments/2iva2f/this_fallen_tree_is_just_growing_differently/) [This fallen tree has kept growing](https://old.reddit.com/r/mildlyinteresting/comments/8rm4rj/this_fallen_tree_has_kept_growing/) Plus, the rotting heartwood becomes a home for wildlife, so it could "live on" in that way. Its why forest management often means leaving standing deadwood, known as snags, provided they're not a risk to anyone or anything.
only Jesus can save that tree
Do we have the same landscaper?
Jesús Savés, best in the business.
For some reason this reminds me of a (clearly fake) name I saw on an asbestos worker certification form once: Genesis Casanova.
Génesis Casanova is now that name I’m using for my Elden Ring DLC character
Idk, he is a carpenter. He can turn it into a lovely table set.
All depends on how you define 'save'.
The Romans could probably make use of the tree if he can't save it.
It's a spider now. Leave it be
Seriously though. It looks cool and standing deadwood is excellent for wildlife.
Yer a spida trairy!
This made me laugh unreasonably long
Spider-tree, spider-tree Does whatever a spider-tree does Can it swing from a web Not it can’t, it’s a tree
My first thought was it had mutated into its final boss form.
Banana for scale if I've ever seen one, but I would have preferred it not been peeled.
It just needs Tree Medicine!
Just some straps and tree medicine, good to go
That tree has been split in twine!!
In thrine, even
To shreds you say?
And how's his wife holding up?
🥰🥰
Someone needs to put an arrow right in the middle of the tree
It's been trisected.
Not enough root flair
I picture some people here beating the owners red Corvette with a baseball bat yelling. "This is what happens when you don't expose the root flare!"
You just made ms snort cold coffee out my nose. Dammit. You are entering a world of pain.
real answer: if the phloem did not break , then most of these will probably survive if left untouched. Anything that doesn't have a clean channel of water/nutrients from the soil should be cut.
Thank you for providing a serious answer. All the piling on is getting annoying.
Since this is outside make sure you use Type 3 Titebond before you bungee it back together!
what happened though??
-Rano asked the same and ImOnlySuperHuman answered. Here's a link to the convo. https://old.reddit.com/r/arborists/comments/1dl739h/can_this_tree_be_saved/l9mvouw/
Looks like it's in a public space. I'm wondering if the tree can be left as-is as a landscape feature. Don't have to worry about it falling on anything now. Kids and kids-at-heart will love climbing on it.
It's honestly pretty cool looking I'd love to climb that bad boy
I’d put something in the center of it like it was buried in the middle of the tree and is now free.
Wich one, the one on the left, middle or right?
can't see the root flare. do you have any other pics?
The rest of the comments said some really interesting things what I'm interested in though is how the f*** did that happen
My neighbor's tree looks just like this one would have pre-split. You can see the rot in the same place where it's dark on that one. It sheds chunks and wood chips and the center branch already fell in an ice storm. It's right next to the property line and would take out more thanhalf of my house if it were to split. Podunk local tree service came out last year and drilled hooks in it for wires that hold it all together near the top. I was kind of hoping it wold take out my house (when no one's home) so I could start over lol.
That actually looks pretty cool how did that happen
Time to build that wheel chair accessible tree house you always wanted.
It looks like art
That mf blew up like a cartoon musket!
It can be shaved.. into a nice mantel
Absolutely, that's a front yard tree. I'd park my car under that in a hurricane.
Uh oh whoops I just posted a broken tree on my street and I feel personally called out by this post lol
Would it be possible to use a Crane, pull 2 sections together drill and place some 3/4 stainless rod with large plates….repeat process with final section?
Yes. I did something similar with a 25 foot umbrella tree that split into three. Heavily pruned the canopy to lighten it. Cinched the trunk pieces into place. Bolted two rods with big washers through the tree to secure the trunk together. Tree thrived and survived until the entire tree blew over in a storm. Had to warn the tree removal people about the bolts because they were no longer visible from the outside.
Put a giant statue of a lighting bolt above it
Ultimate tree fort
I’m no arborist, but it looks like each section looks like it’s got plenty of bark and is still connected to the root system. If the split wasn’t fatally stressful, I think there’s a chance this could recover and end up looking super weird and badass.
It can be saved. If you don't start cutting the branches. From what I see, the roots are still intact.
What do you mean fix it? Now you have several more trees than you had before.
We had lighting strike a tree in our yard and take out a 20 ft slab off the side 15 years ago. The pair of trees we had were so big and old, they meant a lot to us. So we tried painting like a tar/rubber over the exposed inner wood. It still lives! Dont know if it actually did anything but in theory it prevents mold growing or bugs getting into the underbark.
Bark is still connected. You now have three trees.
Man I'd love to see a picture of the tree before this happened. That sucks
r/arboristscirclejerk is leaking again
There is a tree in Georgia like this. It was left alone, and now a new tree is growing from the middle. And it's growing like crazy because of the massive root system supprting it.
Aside from trying to be funny, this is really amazing and very sad though the rot must have been obvious from what looks like a topped tree at one time
Sadly the answer is still yes.....
Put some dirt in the middle and plant a sapling
That's not a tree, it's a century wood plant starting to bloom
What in the cartoon hell
Yes, clone it.
a ratchet strap and a heavy watering
This is normal for this tree. It's called a Black Talon Tree. Tree surgeons hate them.
You can save it if you like, but just not as a tree
Nope trees are not accepted by Jesus it's in the Bible sorry
I'm honestly wondering how it would die off from here. Not if, but how. If you kept mowing under the arches and stuff or left the area completely untouched even and let it dry out and become snag
Looks like a great place for kids to play. Turn it into a treehouse
what the heck happened to this magnificent specimen of a tree
Don’t touch anything and it may just survive as is.
You can save it as a sculpture or furniture
Life finds a way
No. But it can be photographed
The fuck happened to that thing? Lightning?
Why isn’t there a r/arboristscirclejerk yet? Edit: apparently there is, but no posts.
Yes. Completely cover it with dirt and it will turn onto a root bed 🛌.
Yes take a cutting from it. put it in water with a piece of willow bark when it roots up plant it and wait 60years me
Leave it. But a tree house on top with cool entrance from every direction 🤔
That looks dope asf I'd just trim it up a bit and leave it honestly LOL
Just work on nurturing the shoots that come up near the base of the trunk. It'll be fine...
I’d leave as is. It’s bitchin
i bet if you don't do anything, a new one will grow, thing probably has a root system of a city block.
It’s a sculpture now. A self-made sculpture.
Short answer: No. Long answer: Yes, You could use a cutting from one of the upper limbs and clone the tree.
define "saved". Even firewood has it's use. or furniture/fixture. All sorts of 2nd lives exist for wood.
Imagine the noise that made
Depending on what sort of tree it is, it could still grow new branches. If the branches touch the ground, it could form a new cirkel of trees. This is a normal cycle of tree life that we just don’t get to see anymore. If you don’t want it to rot too fast, apply Trichoderma.
Leave it for the insects
Dawg what happened to that tree 💀
I'm here for the first time, this is some insider joke, right? 😅
Some big ass cable ties?
Perfect failure. I want to see inside. there's a ball of soil 3ft wide, not that it was the reason for failure. nobody ever seems to consider removing all of the decayed muck out of branch joints as standard arboriculture.
There’s a ln Osage Orange tree in a park near by that was hit by lightning and burned for a half a day. But, it survived. So I guess it’s possible. As long as the root/bark are intact.
Get one of those 12 skeleton's and a big axe. Dress him in suspenders high heels and a bra. And play I'm a Lumber jack and I'm OK on a loop.
Just leave it alone, there will be new shoots coming up from the base. The branches resting on the ground might put out roots after a few years.
It’s a shape shifting tree / spider
Yep. Just buck it up for wood stove fuel, and you're saving a bundle!
Absolutely it will reward you with heat for a cold winter night!
Duct tape In an episode of Clarkson's farm they did a hedge row contest. I was shocked how little of a tree needed to be intact to keep it alive.
That's the freaking mind-flayer.
No. But there is now plenty of room for a new tree. Once you chainsaw the old one out.
Couple zip ties should do the trick
Absolutely. You can save so much on firewood if you do it yourself.
Yes three years worth of firewood.
Was it caught up in an anime fight?
Eh just some duct tape should fix er up
Zipties
With a deafening rip, the tree tore apart, revealing the figure standing in the center. As it ran from the scene, I could barely make out in the distance, "... am Groot!"
this is the type of posts that have a higher reach and are actually useless. i've seen a lot of posts with people that are indeed in need for help with a specific question and there's not a single comment. after that, they're all forgotten. does someone know a better subreddit where people can actually be helpful?
Ratchet straps and daily watering for a few weeks and she'll be good as new
What’s the problem?
It just needs a big strong hug and it’ll be fine
Clearly termites. Use dish soap and neem oil.
Thank you for the advice everyone! I'm going to head out to buy [a pallet of flex tape to try to save the tree.](https://www.dkhardware.com/flex-seal-dtblkmixst-30-tape-duct-mixed-display-product-7533225.html?utm_source=google&utm_medium=shopping&utm_campaign=free_listings&srsltid=AfmBOoo2VQgeBwk2o8w1at4L_0rCC5wUiRg6Vq33XWHr4-DeK34REnaWE3E)
If this is actually your tree, please consider leaving it as standing deadwood, also known as a snag. They're great for wildlife, and this one is a particularly unique shape that can act as a centerpiece and conversation piece for the yard. While mulch won't help the tree (obviously), it would look beautiful as a native plant garden, with organic mulch out past the branches, short, colorful native plants, and a few benches and pathways (that are placed carefully for safety reasons). It'd be like having your own botanical garden.
Too much mulch, looks fine otherwise.
I doubt it. Id cut 2 of the fallen limbs paint ( protect the core of the other and see in 2 months how its doing, it make à beautiful leaner
I wouldn't cut off any of it. It looks more interesting with three. I also wouldn't paint it, so as to leave it for wildlife. It could still go slowly, so OP might even get some leaves for years at the rate it can take, and that's good enough for those shitty companies that top a tree or mulch a volcano.
You can barely notice it.
Depends on what kinda bulk deal you can get on wood glue.
A little prune seal and it will outlive democracy in the USA if Trump gets elected again.
That isn’t a tree. That’s the monster from Stranger Things
Just my humble opinion. We can rebuild it. We have the technology. Better, faster, stronger than before.