cavity work

Mahk_Adams

Mahk_Adams

Location
Bloomington, Indiana
Does anyone have any experience using a foam filler for a cavity? We have a 54 inch oak that lost a large lead/side branch on a fairly calm day (summer branch drop). Prior to the failure of the limb the trunk appeared to be solid except for a small cavity about 50 feet off the ground where the trunk split into several upright leads. The branch that fell was only about 15 - 20 feet off the ground. There is now an 8 foot hole in the trunk where that branch had been attached. It is now obvious that the entire trunk is hollow, from ground level up to the cavity at 50 feet.

The tree is on a golf course that is currently under construction. The developer would like to save the tree because it is the back-drop for one of the greens. If the tree is retained it could easily be roped or fenced off (with signs) to keep people from going under it, so it would not present a hazard unless someone ignored the signs and fence. The developer has asked about covering the hole for aesthetic reasons. The idea would not be to fill the cavity, but simply to close up the hole. Any thoughts on this?

Also, there is a 'twin' branch on the other side of the trunk, slightly higher than the one that fell, that would be reduced in size to lessen the chance of that failing as well (although we realize that the tree will eventually fall apart).

Thanks for any input.

Mahk
 
Mahk;
I don't know what's available secifically for this purpose but we use a two part chemical encapsulant for buried splices which pours as a liquid then solidifies as a rubber like material which would fill all the little cracks and keep the bugs and water out.
I don't think a standard insulating foam would withstand the elements.
 
Hi, Mahk;

I have seen foam filler used to fill cavities. From what I remember, it was a general purpose foam like the foam used to seal gaps around doors and windows in houses. One needed to shape the foam at the cavity hole once it filled it's spot and cover it with something like cardboard till it hardened. It's no big deal and nothing special is required.

Joe
 
I have heard of bondo being used for this purpose. Strictly cosmetic and probably not the best for tissue health in the imediate area. This may be an option since you have a large cavity that that may be difficult to fill. You could put some form of mesh covering over the hole and the use the bondo. I believe that the bondo can be textured to look like the bark.
 
Bondo is not very flexible. I would imagine that in a very few years it would be cracked and ragged.

If cosmetics are really important I would take a clue from Hollywood special effects. Investigate using latex to mold a flexible "patch".
 
Mahk,

We've used the foam a few times through the years, but have returned only to see that the squirrels had chewed it apart. This was the foam sold by arborist supply stores for this purpose.

On the other side, it was very easy to use and seemed harmless to the tree and surroundings. The customers liked having that option to try as well.
 
I think the only difference between the Home Depot foam spray and the Arbor Foam spray is the price. But if you call it Arbor Foam on your invoice, you can charge a heck of a lot more for it. I jokingly made that suggestion to the salesman when I worked at Davey and he actually did it! Got $20 per can plus our normal labor rates.
 
I still have a few ideas left ...
grin.gif


Fill it up with dirt and plant flowers in it.
 
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