Oak tree hole rot

[Keoke]

I have this beautiful oak tree with a small hole (5" across,5" deep) that fills with water when it rains. I am afraid that over time rot will start here and take out the tree. I have some rot already. /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif Can I fill this hole up with some thing to prevent further rot??
thanks again,
george

 

[jhburke]

Years ago they used cement to fill holes and the tree would simply grow over the plug. /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif

 

[ronjhall]

George
When I was a kid. My dad filled all the trees that had damage or holes with concrete mortar. Then painted the area with white wash. Don’t know if this was the correct fix. Most of the trees were fruit trees. Cheery, Apple, Pear and Peach. They always bore fruit and were still there when a commercial business had every tree bulldozed down in the early 80’s. /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif
I sure would fill the hole with something, but not sure cement would be the best thing today. /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

 

[ronjhall]

/forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif same answer. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif I wonder what one of the younger TBN'rs will suggest. /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

 

[JDGREEN4ME]

I would suggest the same thing, but at 47 I am not sure if I am one of the younger TBN'rs /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[beenthere]

I'm not one of the younger either, but filling the hole will do no good, and may just make the matter worse. (Ask an arborist, and see if you get the same answer). The hole is likely due to rot (decay) to begin with, unless someone has bored out the hole with a tool. Probably a limb died and the decay entered the tree through the broken limb, rotting it out and making the hole.

Finding a way to keep the hole dry would be the best bet to keep it from decaying further. Possibly, the decay could be slowed a bit if borax was added to the water in the hole. Borax will prevent decay, and possibly will wick down into the wood with the rain water and "preserve" or "prevent" further decay.

It may take a long time (years) for the tree to rot enough to have to remove it. If it were mine, I would try the borax (20 mule team) and try to prolong the time.

 

[ronjhall]

JDGREEN4ME
/forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif Well in my case you are a little younger. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif I Havn't seen anyone use White Wash in years. Around this area all fruit trees were painted when I was a kid. /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

 

[Bob85355]

About 25 years ago I had a mulberry tree with a hole in it and it was beginning to rot. I dug out most of the rot and then used a propane torch to burn the remainder and hopefully seal the wood. Then I filled it with concrete. Then I sealed it with pruning sealer. I lived at that place for five more years and the tree showed no signs of rot or other problems with that filled hole.

Bob

 

[JimMc]

Did you just like lavender spotted cars? /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif My grandparents had a huge mulberry tree. It was our favorite to play in. Until we got old enough to drive. Thanks for bringing back a memory almost forgotten.

 

[Keoke]

Thanks guys for all the good advice.
I will drill out as much dead wood as I can, back fill with the borax and plug hole with mortar.
Somehow I get the feeling that oak tree will be here a lot longer then me.

 

[Schultz]

Rather that using mortar you could use a fix that I frequently use for woodpecker damage on my barn. I use plastic car bondo & some paint. It's a bit more expensive than mortar @$6/gal but easier to work with and won't ruin an unsuspecting chainsaw when it comes time to take it down. Your hole doesn’t sound that big so a gallon would work well and you could blend it in with the surrounding area to create a water runoff. Unfortunately, your tree likely has decayed wood that goes well beyond what you see.

It reminds me of an old apple tree of mine that was planted in the 40’s; it's far beyond the bondo fix. It's about 28-30" and completely hollow all the way up into its limps. It’s amazing the thing still stands through the wind and ice storms. It still grows & fruits. I think the only wood holding it up is the green wood and couple years prior wood. I'm beginning to think it will out live me.
Tim