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Plum Tree has a split Trunk

andrew.mcelvenneyandrew.mcelvenney Posts: 10
in Problem solving
My plum tree which is about 2.5 years old has developed a split at the top of the trunk, where the  main branch's fork, about 10 inch's long. The tree it's self looks quiet healthy and I was wondering if there is anything I can do to salvage it or is it beyond repair? 

Posts

  • pansyfacepansyface Posts: 22,305
    edited November 2018
    Could you show us a photo of it? 

    Click on the little icon with a mountain above the text box and follow instructions.

    Cracks vary.
    Apophthegm -  a big word for a small thought.
    If you live in Derbyshire, as I do.
  • andrew.mcelvenneyandrew.mcelvenney Posts: 10

  • pansyfacepansyface Posts: 22,305
    Gosh, that is a most unusual bit of damage.

    Any idea how it happened?

    As the tree is young and the bark seems to be relatively undamaged, apart from a bit of seepage at the top of the split, I would take a chance and leave it alone. The tree might well just absorb the split as it makes new growth rings.
    Apophthegm -  a big word for a small thought.
    If you live in Derbyshire, as I do.
  • andrew.mcelvenneyandrew.mcelvenney Posts: 10
    I don't know how that happened but I suspect it was when we had some strong gales. If I try tieing it together with twine is it likely that over time it will knit together?
  • JennyJJennyJ Posts: 9,593
    You'd need to keep loosening the tie or it will damage the bark more (and possibly worse) as the tree grows.
    Doncaster, South Yorkshire. Soil type: sandy, well-drained
  • pansyfacepansyface Posts: 22,305
    You might be able to drive a sturdy tree stake in by the split branch and then use an adjustable rubber tree tie to support it. But as JennyJ says, you would need to keep an eye on it for constriction.
    Apophthegm -  a big word for a small thought.
    If you live in Derbyshire, as I do.
  • andrew.mcelvenneyandrew.mcelvenney Posts: 10
    Thanks for the advice. Think I'll try tieing it together and loosening it over time in the hope it knots together again.
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