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Ok, so I may need t call in the services of a local tree surgeon, but in the true spirit of this forum I thought a little advice should take me in the best direction!
So, I have a mature deciduous tree with a girth of approximately 2ft/600mm diameter. It forks into two limbs each of approximately 1ft/300mm diameter. In recent strong winds about a month ago, one of these limbs was torm away and came down. I've removed the felled limb and tried to tidy up the remaining scar as best I can. Do I need to do anything else? From a quick Google, painting the wound is not now recommended, as this is seen as interfering with the trees natural repairing properties and could even exasserpate decay. Any further advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.
Am I able to post photos from Google Photos on this forum? Oh, and if so, how? Cheers!
All down, season it and then get it in the log burner next winter. Can't beat free easy had wood.
Photos of tree. Don't think it's an Ash but not sure! Tree and damage here:
@nobodyofthegoat many thanks for the photo app link. Worked first time as well; brilliant!!
Ask on arbtalk for some Pro advice.
Not an ash. Looks like some sort of willow. Maybe goat willow or grey willow (or a hybrid).
Given how unbalanced it is I'd get a tree surgeon to assess it. I suspect it will need to come down.
Irrespective of what tree it is, it is now compromised. The branch to the right of the damage looks to have a poor union too. If you want to keep the tree I'd suggest reducing all branches that lead from the damage. A decent tree surgeon will be able to advise how much to try and keep a nice shape. It will be an ongoing maintenance issue now though, so you might want to remove it all and start afresh.
Thanks for the feedback. Yes, I think some sort of Willow hybrid. Checked and the leaves are spear shaped so not a goat or grey Willow. I'll definitely get a tree surgeon to assess and recommend best course of action. Many thanks to everyone.
If it's willow it should Pollard, loo the top off and wait for new growth
Lop
Looks to me like it needs a good hard clip out. I’d clip the top off where it forks and all the low hanging branches, to give a better shape. * I am not a tree surgeon!
Get it doon and burn it!
It is an Ash, unfortunately seem to come across a fair few with included unions, the evidence of which is clear at the top of the wound and from the appearance of the union to the right of the dominant leader.
Assuming that it is not subject to any planning constraints, the question you need to answer is 'How much does this tree mean to me.' As has been stated any work on it other than removal will be ongoing unless Ash Die Back gets it first. The wound itself will require monitoring though this can largely be undertaken by yourself to note any significant changes. Replanting with a suitable species will also require maintenance if you want it to survive and perform to its best.
Is there evidence of a natural brace still supporting the union, see the work of Duncan Slater, as this may affect the work specified?
From the images and on the presumption of retention, an up to 2m reduction would probably be recommended.
Arbtalk has a forum where householders can seek advice.
Prune it..... To ground level