On Mon, 17 May 2004 09:51:03 -0400, "Mike B"
wrote:

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.


I think you'll find that even the hardware that looks removable is
pretty well in there for good (or bad). I once tried to remove a lag
screw that was a foot peg for my tree house and twisted it in half
without ever budging the part that was in the wood.

As someone who has hit a few bits of steel with a chainsaw, I
appreciate the poster who was looking out for me, but I suggest
leaving the hardware, as removal is likely to do more harm than good,
if it's even possible. The growth that has formed to cover the wounds
made by the hardware will likely be damaged, breaking one of the walls
between healthy/unhealthy wood. Just try to remember to warn any
future sawyers who may have cause to cut into this tree.

Keith Babberney
ISA Certified Arborist
For more info about the International Society of Arboriculture, please visit http://www.isa-arbor.com/home.asp.
For consumer info about tree care, visit http://www.treesaregood.com/