A tree with a split or cracked trunk doesn’t always need to be removed, but it should be assessed soon. Small, old cracks may be stable, while large, fresh or spreading cracks, especially where two main stems meet, can seriously weaken a tree and may make removal the safer choice.
The answer depends on the size and location of the crack, whether it’s changing and what the tree could hit. Here’s what to consider before deciding.
Types of Cracks and Splits
Not all cracks are the same. Some are shallow bark cracks caused by rapid growth or temperature swings, and these may not affect the tree’s strength much.
Deeper cracks that go into the wood are more concerning. A split where two trunks of similar size join, sometimes called a co-dominant union, can be a weak point, particularly if bark is trapped between the stems.
Cracks that appear after a storm, or that seem to be getting wider, deserve extra attention. Taking a dated photo of the crack can help you and a tree service see whether it changes over time.
Warning Signs to Watch For
Some signs may indicate a crack is becoming serious. These include a crack you can see daylight through, one side of the tree moving separately from the other in wind, fresh wood showing inside the crack, sap or fluids leaking and new cracking sounds.
A crack combined with a lean, decay or fungal growth on the trunk is also a reason for closer assessment.
Options Other Than Removal
In some cases, a split between two stems can be supported with a bracing or cabling system. This is more likely to be an option when the tree is otherwise healthy and the crack hasn’t progressed too far.
Reducing weight on the weaker side of the tree through pruning can also help in some situations. Neither approach makes a tree completely safe, and both usually need follow-up checks over time.
When Removal Makes More Sense
If the trunk is split deeply, the two halves are separating, or the crack runs down toward the base, the tree may not be able to hold together. That’s especially true when it stands near a house, garage, driveway or play area.
In those cases, removing a hazardous tree before it fails can protect your property and the people around it. When the danger looks immediate, emergency tree removal may be the right call.
Until the tree is assessed, keep people and pets out of the area the tree could reach. Don’t try to strap, bolt or cut the split yourself.
If you’ve noticed a crack or split in a tree near your Joplin home, have a local tree service take a look so you know whether it can be supported or should come down.
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