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I have a crimson maple tree in my backyard, medium sized, probably as big as it's going to get. A few years ago it was doing really bad and I thought it was going to have to come down. However, I am seeing a lot of new growth and branches on it now and it is budding fairly well this year. I went up in the tree a week ago and trimmed the dead branches. I found two large holes (where branches fell off) that got rotted and are now fairly deep and water just sits in there. One of these is a main branch from the trunk. I drilled a hole out the bottom to let any water drain and let it air out. Yesterday I filled the holes with minimal expanding foam so water won't continue to get in there and rot it out. I have no idea if this was a good or bad move but figured it wouldn't hurt. Should I do anything further? I read on the can that the foam is only water resistant, not sure why though. Thanks for any advice.
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It sounds like you’re really taking good care of your crimson maple! Filling the holes with expanding foam was a proactive step to prevent further water damage. However, since the foam is only water-resistant and not fully waterproof, there are a few additional steps you might consider to better protect your tree:
1. **Seal the Foam:** Once the foam has dried, apply a tree-safe sealant or paint over it to make it more water-resistant. This can help prevent water from penetrating the foam and causing further issues.
2. **Monitor for Health Issues:** Keep an eye on the tree for any signs of disease or decay around the areas you’ve treated. It’s a good idea to inspect it regularly for new growth or any signs of stress.
3. **Pruning:** Continue to prune any dead or diseased branches to improve air circulation and overall health of the tree. Proper pruning can also help the tree heal from any existing damage.
4. **Consult a Professional:** Since the holes are in significant branches, especially one from the trunk, it might be worth consulting an arborist. They can assess the extent of the damage and provide more tailored advice, including whether additional treatments or structural support might be needed.
Your efforts are definitely helping the tree. It have been years since you posted this. I hope you and the tree are in good health! -
It’s good that you removed the dead wood and are seeing new growth—that’s usually a positive sign that the tree still has enough vigor to compartmentalize some of the decay.
As for the holes, drilling a drainage hole and filling the cavities with expanding foam is generally not recommended by modern arboriculture standards. Years ago people often filled tree cavities with concrete or other materials, but research has shown that filling cavities usually does not stop decay and can sometimes trap moisture or make it harder to monitor the condition of the wood. Trees don't heal like people; instead, they form barriers around damaged areas.
At this point, I would avoid adding any more material to the cavities. Monitor the tree for signs of further decay, cracking, fungal growth, or weakening around the main branch attachment. If the cavity is large and involves a major structural limb or the trunk, it may be worth having a certified arborist inspect it to determine whether there is any safety concern.
The best thing you can do now is keep the tree healthy overall: avoid damaging the roots, provide water during drought periods, and maintain a mulch ring if possible. Since the foam is already in place, I would probably leave it alone unless it starts causing problems or trapping moisture.
If you're concerned about the structural integrity of the tree, a professional evaluation from an arborist, such as the team at Treemendous Tree Care LLC, would be the safest way to determine how much sound wood remains around the cavity and whether any corrective pruning or support is needed.
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