I have a small cavity, 3" wide, 8" long which used to be only about 1"
deep near the bottom of an old oak. I put roofing cement on it a few
years back to provide a barrier from insects. Unfortunately, it
either didn't work or ran out over time. Now the wound is another
inch deep and shows signs of insect damage. Fresh looking wood
exposed. What would be the best way to fill this cavity? I have
heard some warnings against using concrete, but I have had several
very healthy trees removed that had large cavities filled with
concrete and appeared to be healthy. Any ideas on what to use for
fill woould be appreciated, as well as any ideas on how to treat for
the insects that are there prior to filling.

On 25 Apr 2004 19:03:41 -0700, (Rob) wrote:

I have a small cavity, 3" wide, 8" long which used to be only about 1"
deep near the bottom of an old oak. I put roofing cement on it a few
years back to provide a barrier from insects. Unfortunately, it
either didn't work or ran out over time. Now the wound is another
inch deep and shows signs of insect damage. Fresh looking wood
exposed. What would be the best way to fill this cavity? I have
heard some warnings against using concrete, but I have had several
very healthy trees removed that had large cavities filled with
concrete and appeared to be healthy. Any ideas on what to use for
fill woould be appreciated, as well as any ideas on how to treat for
the insects that are there prior to filling.


Years back people used to fill cavities in trees. The recommendation
today is to just keep the area clean and allow the tree to heal
itself. I have a tree that had a rather large cavity, but in 4 years
it healed over and sealed itself.

The problem with filling rotting cavities with concrete is, that if you
don't get every scrap of rotted wood out before filling, it just comes back.
It's best to just clean it out, try for drainage through the cavity to
discourage sitting water, and hope for the best.

Dave

"Rob" wrote in message
om...
I have a small cavity, 3" wide, 8" long which used to be only about 1"
deep near the bottom of an old oak. I put roofing cement on it a few
years back to provide a barrier from insects. Unfortunately, it
either didn't work or ran out over time. Now the wound is another
inch deep and shows signs of insect damage. Fresh looking wood
exposed. What would be the best way to fill this cavity? I have
heard some warnings against using concrete, but I have had several
very healthy trees removed that had large cavities filled with
concrete and appeared to be healthy. Any ideas on what to use for
fill woould be appreciated, as well as any ideas on how to treat for
the insects that are there prior to filling.

A hollow tree is actually stronger than one with a solid trunk, and if you
are worried about it being able to survive have a look at this web site.
http://www.wirksworth.org.uk/majorgal.htm

--
David Hill
Abacus nurseries
www.abacus-nurseries.co.uk

On 25 Apr 2004 19:03:41 -0700, (Rob) wrote:

===I have a small cavity, 3" wide, 8" long which used to be only about 1"
===deep near the bottom of an old oak. I put roofing cement on it a few
===years back to provide a barrier from insects. Unfortunately, it
===either didn't work or ran out over time. Now the wound is another
===inch deep and shows signs of insect damage. Fresh looking wood
===exposed. What would be the best way to fill this cavity? I have
===heard some warnings against using concrete, but I have had several
===very healthy trees removed that had large cavities filled with
===concrete and appeared to be healthy. Any ideas on what to use for
===fill woould be appreciated, as well as any ideas on how to treat for
===the insects that are there prior to filling.
Best bet is to leave it be. Nature will take care of it and the tree
may become hollow or have an even bigger cavity but it does not
necessarily mean it will die. Filling a cavity is only looking to
create more additional problems If the tree shows signs later on of
presenting itself as a hazzard tree due to a huge cavity, then have it
removed. I had a huge oak that was totally hollow inside. I have
others with cavities large enough that 2 full grown people can stand
in side of them, and they have been thriving just fine for many many
years. They are not in an area if they do happen to break will cause
any damages but they are still just too nice a tree to remove or take
a chance on filling a cavity and probably killing it in the long run.

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