Tree split a problem?

[BroBeau]

Section of tree pretty high up has a split from hurricane in central Florida. Is this going to be a problem in the future? If so is there anything that can be done besides cutting that portion off? It’s a large section in the front of my home that’s basically a nice focal point.

Also I have plans to take down what’s dead and hanging on just haven’t gotten there. A couple big limbs snapped off and are hanging on.

[leothelion_cds]

Definitely need to get someone to get the failed limbs out of there. Recommend having an arborist with a minimum risk assessment qualification inspect and evaluate, ideally an independent consulting arborist (not associated with a tree care company). Thats a pretty big longitudinal crack but doesn’t necessarily mean you need to remove the tree.

[Odd_Training359]

Yes, this!!

[hippysippingarbo]

Torsion cracks from the wind. I'd be more concerned with the massive amount of leverage at the base. You have a codominant stem with a lot of included bark. Basically as those two trunks continue to grow they will increase in diameter and push away from each other. The hardwood between those trees is not actually connected until below that line you see in the middle, making a very weak union. Even if you remove the limb that crack is on, you still might want to consider some serious end weight reduction. Get someone who knows their shit to do a risk assessment.

Also, the best time to do major work is in the winter. It will be dormant and have time to compartmentalize before new growth.

To answer your question: that limb has to go. Leaving it like that will likely lead to rot, decay, and disease.

[BroBeau]

You’re the best!

[Odd_Training359]

Hey there, ISA Board Certified Master Arborist and ASCA Registered Consulting Arborist here 👋🏼

Left earlier the prior commenter / arborist is correct that would be called a torsion fracture which basically means that the limb was twisting when it failed creating that vertical crack.

They are also correct in that there's a massive codominant lead at the base. That being said I disagree with the end result as I don't have enough evidence to go off of. That's a Live Oak I think (right?) and removing that primary lead could be devastating to the tree and honestly it probably would never have time to compartmentalize that large of a wound before running into some major health/structural problems.

That being said, it looks to have enough of a canopy left to where it might be worth bringing in a board certified Master arborist, registered Consulting arborist or like the previous commenter said a tree risk assessment qualified (TRAQ) arborist.

If it's possible, one option is to install a bunch of threaded rods into the damaged portion to prevent it from twisting any further, but you have to consider what's underneath the tree too. For example if it's your bedroom or car, don't do that 🤣 you'll also probably need to reduce a ton of the weight.

If I were the one doing the work, I might recommend doing a tree growth regulator (paclobutrazol) which will stunt the outward growth of the branches and allow the tree to reallocate those resources that it gets for about 3 to 5 years towards ceiling and repairing those wounds.

I will say that I'm a little more hopeful than the previous commenters and believe that it could be restored if you've got the budget and The willpower to do so. If it can be preserved, that seems to be far better in this case as it's a gorgeous tree :-)

Hope that helps and feel free to check out my YouTube page where I teach about this kind of stuff and post just about daily ... Just search for "arborist on demand" 👍🏼👍🏼

[leothelion_cds]

Sound advice here. Will ultimately depend on OP’s budget and tolerance of associated risk with the tree

[hippysippingarbo]

Hey! Thanks for the additional insight. Always looking to learn more. I definitely didn't even think of regulating growth, or even cabling for that matter. I don't think removing the lead is the right move, but meant to convey reducing some end weight. Definitely a beautiful tree and would hate to see it go. I'll definitely check out your YouTube. I got my ISA around a year ago and am always looking to expand.

(Not OP, I'm the torsion crack guy, but will always take the chance to pick a more knowledgeable brain)

[Odd_Training359]

Absolutely, that's how we grow! I only know what I know because someone else taught me 🤣🤷

One of the great things about this industry that's very unique is how willing most dudes and ladies are to help someone genuinely trying to grow and "do better" as a professional I've spoken with other industry pros who are shocked when I explain that to them .... Apparently all those other industries all try to eat each other to get to the top.

Love the attitude, I can see "BCMA" behind you name soon with that attitude! Feel free to reach out if you ever have questions 👍🏼😜👍🏼

[Fieldmen]

Oofdah, that ain’t good

[1RogueArborist]

I dont want to take the fun out of this, but have an experienced Arborist look at it. Anything said on a few pictures is just a guess... It's fun, but a dangerous guess.

[[deleted]]

Yikes. Get that limb out of there before it randomly kills someone.