Help! Can I save this maple?

[Harriswp8]

I’d like to save this maple if at all possible. Should I clean out the area and fill with foam then cap It with metal or tree tar? Also the tallest branch shooting off the side of the area in picture is also hollow. If I cut the entire section off (right above where I’m standing) would it create more problems and promote decline? should I fill the voids and hope for the best? or do you recommend taking it down?

 

[Jonny]

Looks like there’s not much weight on the ends of the areas of concern.

Nobody can say for certain if it’ll be fine or fail and when a failure would happen, but my initial thought is it’s ok for now. May need further weight reduction in a few years. I wouldn’t remove that section I think you’re speaking of, it’s almost all that’s left of the top.

Don’t take my word as gospel though lol I’m wrong often.

 

[evo]

lost cause... wrong tree wrong spot. start over with a better suited tree, or get the utility co to move the wires for you (be sure to let me know how you manage if your sucessful

 

[Treezybreez]

Why prolong the inevitable? Cut and plant a shrub or dwarf tree.

 

[Harriswp8]

lost cause... wrong tree wrong spot. start over with a better suited tree, or get the utility co to move the wires for you (be sure to let me know how you manage if your sucessful

thank you! When I bought the house last year I knew it was a terrible spot for this type of tree. I just took the same variety maple down that was across from it which was in worse condition. I didn’t like the the thought of taking my only tree left in front down. Knew it wouldn’t be pretty if I tried saving and it would probably only buy me a few more years. I appreciate the advice!

 

[Harriswp8]

Why prolong the inevitable? Cut and plant a shrub or dwarf tree.

Thank you! Will do.

 

[Harriswp8]

Will probably replace with- Mimosa tree, amber glow redwood, blood good Japanese maple, Ann magnolia, royal star magnolia, redbud, service berry.

any other suggestions?

 

[Anawan]

Mimosa is highly invasive. I’m not in Ohio but a quick search for native understory trees in Ohio - Buckeye, pawpaw, serviceberry, American hornbeam, and I’m sure there are many other good choices for your area... although they will be getting a lot more sun then they would in a native habitat. You might look into sun-loving large shrubs.

With an open cavity on top of a tree like that, I once experimented with a tin covering that diverted much of the water from the hole but allowed for air flow underneath and, theoretically, the tree to heal. That was a couple years ago, I need to check back on that to see how it’s doing... I assume most folks here would advise against filling a cavity with foam?

 

[Harriswp8]

Mimosa is highly invasive. I’m not in Ohio but a quick search for native understory trees in Ohio - Buckeye, pawpaw, serviceberry, American hornbeam, and I’m sure there are many other good choices for your area... although they will be getting a lot more sun then they would in a native habitat. You might look into sun-loving large shrubs.

With an open cavity on top of a tree like that, I once experimented with a tin covering that diverted much of the water from the hole but allowed for air flow underneath and, theoretically, the tree to heal. That was a couple years ago, I need to check back on that to see how it’s doing... I assume most folks here would advise against filling a cavity with foam?

Thank you!

 

[27RMT0N]

Some cities/towns/etc have lists of 'approved/recommended' street tree species in order to avoid these kind of maintenance problems as the trees grow, that would probably be worth looking into.