| [College of ACES] | [University of Illinois] | [Illinois CES] |
If I assume the the tree has split from the top down, stopping 1 or 2 feet from the ground, was it split all the way through? If so, it would seem to be quite unusual in still standing. Is it split on one side only? How did you bring it back together and how are holding it now? How much pruning did you do? Please share with us your expectations about "tree balm" helping the tree.
Three quick comments: Wrapping plastic-coated wire around the tree will subject it to multiple girdling--an excellent way to kill the tree, whateverthe cause or reason for the split--don't do it.
It would be my sense that tree balm will make no meaningful contribution to helping your tree.
If the tree is to regain structural integrity, considerable quantities of new wood must be created, enough to provide structural resistance to the various forces that confront a tree. Cuting of the food factories--limbs and leaves--can only slow down that capacity, perhaps beyond the tree's available time to deal with destructive pathogens. The cambium creates new wood at the rate of a ring a year (more or less)--no small task for anything--and the new growth must be mechanically useful without being broken again and starting the tree back at ground zero.
Cables and rods seem indicated. Talk to a reputable arborist or get reccommendations from a nearby arboretum or natural rsources agency--or consult the arborist lists associated with this page.
Send us more information.
Thanks
Bob