Best way to handle this split magnolia tree trunk

November 23, 2018 12:55 PM

An ice storm just split our magnolia tree branch. We cut off the broken branch, but are left with a split section about 20 inches in length on a main trunk. The trunk is about 16" around. What is the best route to handle this to save the tree? Would it be some sort of glue and wrap, or cut off the split portion and seal with something, or something completely different? Thanks for any ideas on how to best handle our favorite tree! Picture here
posted by Mikey51 to Home & Garden (3 answers total)

I have seen a split plum tree like that very successfully glued and tied together. It healed well.
posted by SLC Mom at 1:54 PM on November 23, 2018

Tie it up with old t-shirts, ripped up. They will degrade and rot off on their own. Talk to an arborist, some cities have them, to see if there's any nutritional support you can give this tree, and if it needs any sort of treatment at the cuts.
posted by theora55 at 8:14 AM on November 24, 2018

I am not an arborist but I’ve seen trees that have been bolted together to fix this. I would use 3 or 4 stainless steel lag bolts (the type with a hexagonal head) and as many large washers. Drill holes (a couple nearer to the top and NOT exactly in line with each other vertically) wide enough for the bolts to pass through easily. Then drill through into the trunk with a smaller bit. This will, allow the bolts to bite in to the wood of the trunk without splitting the thinner broken section. Ideally, you'll want to cut through the bark to make a flat surface for the washer. Then use some bark caulking on the crack.
posted by bonobothegreat at 11:28 AM on November 24, 2018