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Texas Gardening

Tree trunk issue/problem.

7 years ago

We have a mature hardwood tree (don't know the type) in our back garden that is very tall, about 25-30' (slim in overall stature, as it has been previously trimmed & one major branch removed by someone before us) that is hollow/rotted all the way to dirt at the very base of the 15"-18" diameter trunk. Sorry my photo doesn't allow you to see into the hole to see the ground fully exposed, but it is hollow all the way to the ground. No wood left at the bottom. I'm sure rain gets in there constantly, although I've never seen it collected in the hole, so the ground must absorb it pretty well. The hollow part is about 1/5 the diameter of the entire trunk,

so the perimeter of the trunk appears to be supporting the tree OK (at present, at least). Sadly, I know so little about trees. My question, is: Does a hole at the base of a tree necessarily mean it is in jeopardy of coming down? Should we just go on and take it out? This thing sits only 13' or so feet from my house and as you see in the photo, it also sits very close to our fencing. If it ever came down in a storm, the left side we just replaced due to storm/linb falling damage this past year. So if this tree fails, it will take out one or the other, causing major damage if it falls the house direction. It provides a good deal of shade back there, so the hubs is hesitant to remove it. But I'm worried it will come down on the house one day, we plan to call someone for their professional opinion next week to evaluate the situation. Thought I'd bounce it off anyone here with tree expertise. The hole is just left of the visible knot in this picture below. Second photo shows it closer. I appreciate any and all input.

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Comments (2)

klem1
7 years ago
I'm guessing pecan. It will never recover but I've seen them with similar hollow trunks survive for decades in the wild. If the shade it provides is important I'd have an arborist check it now and possibly trim it once ever two years during dormant season.
buttoni_8b
Original Author
7 years ago
Nah, definitely not a pecan. I know those leaves well. Actually, I went out and examined the lobed leaves on the ground and compared them to the leaves underneath my huge red oak at the other corner of the garden. They have the same, 5 deeply indented pointed lobes typical of red oak. Clearly the same species now that I took the time to actually compare the leaves. I've often wondered why the main branch/trunk (right of the hole) was removed it its past. Might be a factor in water seeping in through that rotting wood access point to expedite interior trunk rot.

We're definitely going to have an arborist check it out for us this week or next. I'd like to bet it will last decades as is, as I'm 68 and will be dead before it would be a problem. LOL But I'm a worry wort and will worry until a pro comes and gives us his opinion on its condition and risk of falling. Thanks so much for your thought on this!
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