If you are worried about water collecting in the bottom of the "pocket", you
could try drilling a small drainage hole at the bottom of it. But really,
why not just go with the flow and have the tree taken down. If the current
damage heals, you are still vulnerable in any future storm. What would you
rather have five years from now, a struggling, mis-shaped Bradford pear
waiting for the next storm, that's still lifting the sidewalk, or an
attractive replacement tree just reaching it's stride?

I'm as sentimental about plants, especially trees, as the next person, but
sometimes you have to make the leap of faith and remove a specimen that's
not working out. I lost a large plum tree in a thunderstorm years ago, and
was heartbroken, but the tree I replaced it with (a zelkova) has worked out
much better in that spot, and the experience has taught me to try and be
objective.

Cheers,
Sue

--

Zone 6, Southcentral PA

"Ted S." wrote in message
...
Hurricane Isabel left a huge branch from my Bradford Pear on the front
lawn.
I know these trees are prone to wind damage and it sure was damaged. A
fairly deep wound (like a deep pocket) now exists and I'm not sure what to
do. I sprayed some insect spray on it to discourage insects from moving
in
and added some brown spray paint to 'seal' the wood a little. (Anyone
cringing yet?) Hey, if it's a goner, it's fate. But I want to give it a
little chance and am mostly worried about water collecting in there and
rot
starting.

Is there anything made to fill the hole? Cement perhaps? (NOW I see the
eyebrows going up!) I don't want to spend money for a tree doctor since
this wasn't the best choice for a streetside tree anyway. The shallow
roots
are lifting the sidewalk.

Any advice is welcome!

Thanks. Ted