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| Hello. I just noticed that my Dwarf Japanese Maple has a substantial crack in one of the main branches where it meets the trunk. I've attached a photo, and was hoping that some wonderful tree loving soul could offer some advice on how I can save this branch that amounts to 1/3 of the tree. If I lose this branch, the tree would be irreparably lopsided. Please help! Other than this crack, that branch seems to be healthy and happy. The tree is all of 3 feet tall, and is probably about 3 1/2 years old. I suspect that this crack has been there for some time. Would a small bolt with a few washers be the answer?
Thanks in advance for any advice you may have. -Peter |
Follow-Up Postings:
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- Posted by Denver_Designer 5 (My Page) on Sat, Nov 10, 12 at 17:44
| I once had a shrub that split. I tried wrapping the two sides of the branch on either side of the split tightly together with a material that wouldn't cut into the bark. Eventually, the two sides of the split grew back together. I would avoid putting any bolts into the tree. You might post your question on the Trees forum in hopes that an arborist might see it. |
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| Thanks for the advice. I'll also post this in the Trees forum. -Peter |
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- Posted by gardengal48 PNW zone 8 (My Page) on Sun, Nov 11, 12 at 14:29
| Bolting or cabling is very common to salvage split branching or to prevent against further damage. There were multiple discussions on this topic here a couple of seasons ago after a heavy, wet snowfall and a lot of damage to weeping laceleaf maples (which tend to accumulate and hold snow in their branches). Do a Google search on "tree bolting or cabling" - you'll find various resources and videos showing you precisely how to do so. Contrary to what many think, if a split branch or fork is not immediately addressed (within 24-36 hours), the tree begins to compartmentalize amd seal off the injury and if that happens, the split will never grow back together and will remain a structural weakness and liable to further damage. IMO, cabling or bolting in this situation is the ONLY way to go. |
Here is a link that might be useful: cabling a tree
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