Mahk
ArboristSite Member
Does anyone have any experience using a foam filler for a cavity? We have a 54 inch oak that lost a large lead/side branch on a fairly calm day (summer branch drop). Prior to the failure of the limb the trunk appeared to be solid except for a small cavity about 50 feet off the ground where the trunk split into several upright leads. The branch that fell was only about 15 - 20 feet off the ground. There is now an 8 foot hole in the trunk where that branch had been attached. It is now obvious that the entire trunk is hollow, from ground level up to the cavity at 50 feet.
The tree is on a golf course that is currently under construction. The developer would like to save the tree because it is the back-drop for one of the greens. If the tree is retained it could easily be roped or fenced off (with signs) to keep people from going under it, so it would not present a hazard unless someone ignored the signs and fence. The developer has asked about covering the hole for aesthetic reasons. The idea would not be to fill the cavity, but simply to close up the hole. Any thoughts on this?
Also, there is a 'twin' branch on the other side of the trunk, slightly higher than the one that fell, that would be reduced in size to lessen the chance of that failing as well (although we realize that the tree will eventually fall apart).
Thanks for any input.
Mahk
The tree is on a golf course that is currently under construction. The developer would like to save the tree because it is the back-drop for one of the greens. If the tree is retained it could easily be roped or fenced off (with signs) to keep people from going under it, so it would not present a hazard unless someone ignored the signs and fence. The developer has asked about covering the hole for aesthetic reasons. The idea would not be to fill the cavity, but simply to close up the hole. Any thoughts on this?
Also, there is a 'twin' branch on the other side of the trunk, slightly higher than the one that fell, that would be reduced in size to lessen the chance of that failing as well (although we realize that the tree will eventually fall apart).
Thanks for any input.
Mahk