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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!
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