I had to have an arborist trim up a tree in my front yard last season (I believe it's a Japanese Thread Lead Maple) because the limb was impinging on the house too much. I want to protect the tree as much as I can because it's really beautiful.

The limb that was cut off looks like it had rot in the middle. Is there anything I can fill it in with to protect the tree?

by theonomatopoeia

17 Comments

  1. Tom_Marvolo_Tomato

    Hard to tell from the angle of the photo, but I think the “arborist” left too much stub. It should be cut back to the branch collar.

    Do not…Do Not…DO NOT fill a tree cavity with anything!!! It does not prevent decay, it does not speed up healing over, and it does not strengthen the remaining trunk. Yes, you are going to have some decay enter the main trunk…this is what happens when you cut a large limb. I don’t think this tree poses any severe risk to the house, so leave it alone and don’t worry about future failures.

  2. NickTheArborist

    There is no reason they should have cut that limb back that far. Such a shame.

    But now that you’ve ruined it, it’s important that you know that you should not fill that hole with anything. Any sealant will only make rot worse.

  3. retardborist

    You’re only going to make things worse cutting more or filling/sealing. Leave it be

  4. Brilliant_Stomach_87

    lol. Your tree has a fat reproductive organ.

  5. International_Bar383

    Is there already something filled further back on tree. Spray foam or concrete OP ??

  6. puzzlepiece95

    Like other comments I wouldn’t suggest anymore cuts anywhere, as the stump from that existing leg, already had brought a place where rot can occur, much closer to the main trunk.
    So I’d suggest a new habit of clearing top of the trunk – where it splits into all of its stems – since constant moisture from organic matter building up, can jumpstart rot in that area as well. I see a small plant growing there as well so it’s moist all right.

    Edit: on picture 1, that white round spot, where the cut off limb shoots from the main trunk, is that fungi? If so have someone professional look at it; fungi on the main stem of a supposedly healthy tree is usually not a good sign.

  7. DJBigOranges

    Nothing. Have somebody cut it to a proper cut and leave the tree to wound over it naturally

  8. Miss_Medussa

    Shove some plant seeds in there hehe

  9. ScootyMcTizzle

    Don’t always think about what you are sealing out, but what are you sealing in.

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