Split Greengage Trunk

Lazouch

Hi Hi
Possibly as a result of the recent very strong winds, my greengage has developed a split going down the trunk. The trunk is about 13cm wide and the split is a little over 30cm long. I'm thinking of tying it up with a ratchet strap and hoping for the best.
Can anyone advise?
Sam

Blue Onion

I think it's done for, unfortunately.  The heartwood will rot, as water and bacteria/fungus populate the wound.  

If you are desperate to save it, you could prune it severely and drill straight through the tree and hold the split together with a long bolt and large washers.  I've never tried it though, so hopefully others have advice.  I image it will still rot out, but it may extend the life while you plant another tree nearby to eventually replace it.  A ratchet strap will kill the tree, by restricting the sap flow in the trunk.