Explore Plants
Ask Mr. Smarty Plants
Ask Mr. Smarty Plants is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.
Can't find the answer in our existing FAQs, submit a question to Mr. Smarty Plants.
Need help with plant identification, visit the plant identification page.
rate this answer
Saturday - April 03, 2010
From: Denton, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Trees
Title: Texas ash tree splitting in Denton TX
Answered by: Barbara Medford
QUESTION:
I have a Texas ash tree that's splitting in its center and need some info re cable tie or other techniques to fuse the crotch together. I have temporarily placed two bands of plastic cable ties just below the crotch but I think it also needs repairs above the crotch area to stabilize and fix it permanently.ANSWER:
Since we have no personal experience in such an operation, we found several websites with explanations and instructions on materials and procedures to be used. The best advice we found in all of them was from The Gardener's Forum Splitting Tree:
"Whether a tree needs only one cable for support, or several cables and bracing rods for repair, the procedure requires expert judgment in choosing the right materials and locating them properly in the tree. The job may also be dangerous, and is best done by a crew of two or three people. It is recommended that a professional tree service be called in to cable valuable trees or to repair a split trunk or crotch."
That would be our first thought-find an expert in this job, unless your tree is very small or not particularly valuable to you. In Texas, trees are pretty important assets, not to be messed with by people who are not trained. The other sites we turned up were:
eHow How to Repair a Split Tree
The Homeowner's Tree Book Repairing Tree Wounds
Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Repairing Storm Damage
Because we don't know the size or maturity of your Fraxinus texensis (Texas ash), we can't possibly advise on which of these procedures would work best, except for the one about hiring an expert arborist, one trained and licensed to do this kind of work.
From our Native Plant Image Gallery:
More Trees Questions
Difference between Styrax platanifolius and Styrax patanifolius ssp. texanus
November 18, 2011 - What is the difference between a Styrax platanifolius and a Styrax platanifolius texanus?
view the full question and answer
Problems with Arizona Ash from Naco AZ
May 19, 2013 - Hi Mr. Smarty..
Live in southeast corner of Az.
My Az. Ash is diseased. Just noticed leaves are curled,
(still green) and when I open the leaf it has a zillion
little white, what look like mites ...
view the full question and answer
Dormancy in Pin Oaks without water in Del Rio, TX
August 02, 2011 - Can Pin Oak trees go dormant without enough water? If so how long can they live that way? Can they be brought back to producing leaves? If yes, then what do I need to do besides giving them water. I d...
view the full question and answer
Viability of Desert Willow and Hong Kong Orchid Tree in Spring Branch, TX
December 26, 2006 - We live in Spring Branch, Rt 281 north of San Antonio. We want to plant a Regal Desert Willow tree and a Hong Kong Orchid tree. Will the cold / freeze be a problem? Where locally can we purchase th...
view the full question and answer
Small native trees/shrubs for Corpus Christi, TX
July 02, 2012 - Which small native trees or tall shrubs would do well in full sun in Corpus Christi for privacy along a fence line? Blooms are a bonus and evergreen is preferred.Searches on the website aren't produc...
view the full question and answer
 |
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. Mr. Smarty Plants wants you to be his Facebook friend. Click the Facebook icon to add yourself to Mr. Smarty Plants list of friends. |
