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Storm damaged elm tree

13 years ago

Two 80 year old elms were damaged in a recent storm. Two huge limbs feel off a section of the trees that was damaged by rot. I now have huge holes in each tree. How do I fill the holes and when should I do it? Also, can anyone recommend a good arborist in the Oakland County Michigan area?

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Comments (4)

ken_adrian Adrian MI cold Z5
13 years ago
personally i would invest in a cutter downer .. since the trees are already rotted ....

but i suppose it wouldnt hurt to hire a professional ... to get his opinion ....

should not be to hard to google it... try ARBORISTS OAKLAND CO MI ...

KEN
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Toronado3800 Zone 6 St Louis
13 years ago
Sucks to have a dominant tree in your landscape coming apart.

Covering up the holes to keep water out while allowing air flow so they don't become humid pits of rot are something the private homeowner usually doesn't get into.

That type of thing, bracing limbs, yearly injections of xxx wonder drug, are usually limited to historical trees and botanical gardens.

If its not overhanging your garage, rooms where your kids are, places where they play, or the street, you like the tree and you have some money then go for it.

Can you post a picture of the hole? Is it something you can get at to get a picture of even?
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brandon7 TN_zone7
13 years ago
Ditto Ken's first line...but if you want to keep the tree...

Do NOT fill the holes with ANYTHING.

You can find an ISA certified arborist at the link below. Not all of them (the companies) are perfect, but being ISA certified is a minimum, IMO, for being able to give good advice on keeping such a tree.

If the tree is not hanging over your valuable house or likely to squash something when it comes down, and you want a "cutter downer" (don't think this category is on the ISA site), you can just look in the phone book and make sure they are properly insured/bonded (verify this before they do the job!).

Here is a link that might be useful: Find an ISA Certified Arborist
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sweetasrael
Original Author
13 years ago
I appreciate everyone's input. We have been injecting our trees for about 25 years. I will try to post photos. Thanks for the ISA links.
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