Remove all of the hardware, and let the air get at the wounds. If the tree
is healthy it'll eventually close around the openings. The hardware isn't
that big a deal to leave in place except that some unfortunate with a chain
saw will discover them 40 years from now. The wood appressed to the braches
and causing them to grow around is the real problem.

My 2 cents.

--
Mike LaMana, MS
Heartwood Consulting Services, LLC
Toms River, NJ
www.HeartwoodConsulting.net

"Mike B" wrote in message
...
Just bought a house. One of my trees has a kid's "tree fort" built onto it
from previous owner. They used nails and huge bolts, some drilled
completely
through several limbs. I wish to remove the fort and am wondering if I
should remove the bolts and nails or if it would be better to leave them
as
is since they have been in place for 10 or more years.
Thanks for any advice.