On Wed, 04 Aug 2010 12:10:46 -0500, Zootal
wrote:

I have a small red pear tree that produces the most wonderful red pears. A
while ago I discovered the trunk had split:

http://deadice.no-ip.info/stuff/2010.../images/08-04-
10_0911.JPG

http://deadice.no-ip.info/stuff/2010.../images/08-04-
10_0910.JPG

It's easy to see why, though I had no idea that the twin leaders would
cause this to happen. So, the question is, can this tree be saved? I
thought of wrapping something around the split, but I'm not sure what I can
use that would be strong enough, and I'm not sure the wound will heal. I
thought of removing one side and seeing if the other would survive. Is
there any way to save this tree?

I would bolt it back together. Drill a series of three holes (5/16")
one at the very top of the split at the center the "v", one at the
very bottom of the split and one half way. Place a length of threaded
rod through each with a flat washer and a hex nut on each end. Snug
up and hack saw off the excess rod. The tree will heal and grow over
the metal rods. Drill and screw one location at a time starting at
the bottom. Do not use any sealer over the wounds, that will hold
moisture and cause rot. You have nothing to lose and everything to
gain. Good luck.