I have a 5' vertical split caused by wind in a 20-yo maple where the 2 main branches diverge. Can it saved?

Question

It's otherwise healthy and has been split for about 2 years now but the crack is widening after every wind storm. I've ratchet-strapped the crack closed and thought I would try drilling and bolting it in several places to keep the crack closed. I thought I'd use some large metal/plastic/rubber "washers" and loosen the bolts every year or so to prevent the tree from growing around the washers/nuts. Is there a better way to keep the crack closed? The nylon ratchet straps actually work great and have some give in the wind but look pretty goofy.

Answer 1

It's probably not worth fixing, except to try to stabilize the tree a bit while you get a replacement growing.

I'd strongly consider lessening the windload on the tree as much as possible by pruning some of the longer branches back and thinning the crown selectively.    But in the long run, this is not a structurally sound tree, and cannot be made so.

Answer 2

Whatever repair you make will be temporary. Eventually the growth and added weight will pull the tree apart. Until that happens, the tree will be dangerous.

Answer 3

Consider pruning the tree so there is not so much weight on the opposing sides and it may self heal.  I would not ratchet it for fear of girdling it.