Help with my Slippery Elm (at least I think that is what it is)

11 years ago

I have what I believe is a slippery elm tree in our front yard. There are two issues I have and want to know if they are a problem and if so how to fix it.

1 - The trunk is split in three trunks creating a bowl in the middle. Water and leaves get into the "bowl" and it doesn't have a way of draining. It looks to me like the water and debris just rot in the middle of the trunks. Is this bad for the tree and if so how can I fix it? I wasn't sure if there was a way to drill a hole in the bottom of the trunk to let it drain without hurting the tree.

2 - Almost all of the leaves have tons of tiny holes in them. I don't recall this ever happening in the two previous years we have lived here (but my observation skills may have just been lacking as I only recently discovered the "bowl" as well) Is this a disease or insect activity? Is it hurting my tree and is there something I should do about it?

Any help on these would be wonderful! I can't figure out how to post pictures, so hopefully my description makes sense.

Thank you!!

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Comments (7)

_Aiya_
Original Author
11 years ago
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denninmi
11 years ago
The leaf issue is superficial, either insect damage or perhaps a "shot hole" type disease. The more serious issue is the trunk problem. If its a possibility for you, I would call in a professional, certified arborist to deal with it. If not, I'm sure people here can offer suggestions. Off the top of my head, I'd say you would want to drain it out or sponge out the water, clean out as much soft, decayed tissue as possible, treat with a fungicidal/bactericidal compound, and then fill with some inert material to build up a "dome" in the center that could shed water beyond the trunk cavity. Perhaps the "Great Stuff" type expanding foam insulation sold in a can at home improvement stores would work -- it does make a waterproof foam that weathers pretty well outdoors for at least 3-4 years (I've used it on my pond border), can be painted to hide it, and is easily removed by carving out with a sharp knife if you change your mind or have to rework the project.
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brandon7 TN_zone7
11 years ago
"...I'd say you would want to drain it out ... and then fill with some inert material (like expanding foam insulation) to build up a "dome" in the center that could shed water beyond the trunk cavity."

Heavens NO !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
denninmi
11 years ago
And why do you say "Heavens no"? If water and organic matter continues to accumulate, it's going to rot out. So what is the rationale for doing nothing? Or is there some alternative?

Personally, if it were my tree, I would either fill it with expanding foam or create some kind of removable shield or cap to keep out water and organic debris. I guess a cap might be a better choice in that it would still allow air flow and light to the cavity, but it would be less attractive.
ken_adrian Adrian MI cold Z5
11 years ago
lets be very clear..

that tree has survived.. with NOTHING.. i mean nothing ... from mankind for what.. 40 to 60 years ...

and know you think you can do better ..

this is a prima facia case of you beginning to love it to death ...

leave it alone ...

i would bet a buck.. that summer will make it dry ... but for rain ...

now.. as to whether i would have that tree hanging over my house.. and thinking about killing me in my sleep .. that would require more pix.. or the opinion of a cert' pro ...

dont fix.. what aint broken.... and you have provided no facts that anything is wrong ..

ken

ps: we have Siberian elms.. and they are VERY problematic in ice storms.. and heavy rain/wind storms ... i do not know how that equates with yours ... does it show any historical damage at height??? .. is this a rental house????
_Aiya_
Original Author
11 years ago
We haven't done anything with it other than water it along with our lawn in the summer time. I am just worried that it is the sprinklers that are filling up the tree "bowl" with water and if that rotting water will eventually damage the tree.

It does lose a lot of branches when it is windy. Usually just the tiny ones, but every now and again a big one comes down. I can take more pics this afternoon.

Ken - do you think there is a danger of a large branch taking out our house? That is a scary thought as it is right next to my bedroom.
ken_adrian Adrian MI cold Z5
11 years ago
you should be watering only the lawn.. and it should not be hitting the tree.. so as to fill the hole with water ...

some say the roots are twice as big as the tree .. and its probably getting water from two or three houses down the street.. there is no reason.. for you to be watering near it .. or more specifically.. hitting it with water ...

do you think there is a danger of a large branch taking out our house? That is a scary thought as it is right next to my bedroom.

==>> i dont know.. thats just a bit of 14 year old girl.. drama queen stuff [my beloved daughter] .. to get you to think about what is hanging over your head ... and you bit on it..

but you didnt answer if there is any prior damage up there??? if so.. you need to invest in a local certified tree guy to give you an opinion ....

as i said.. i am not familiar with slippery elm.. and how that compares to my carp elms ...

it may be all ... much ado about nothing ...

ken

Help with my Slippery Elm (at least I think that is what it is)

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_Aiya_
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Help with my Slippery Elm (at least I think that is what it is)

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_Aiya_Original Author

denninmi

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_Aiya_
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