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Re: tree damage

Brenda:

Sorry to say, but in my view the forestry person is correct.  Use of
any treatment would be a waste of money and would result in a delay
that could be dangerous.  Actually, if the 25% of the bark remaining
is intact, the tree may not die, but it will decline so badly that
the tree will be structurally unsound and there will be enough
branch and twig dieback over the next few years that the tree will
look terrible.  In addition, the impact of a vehicle at 75 mph would
affect the strength of the existing wood, further compromising the
trees' structural integrity.  The huge wound has opened the tree for
invasion or expansion of wood decay fungi, which will certainly
reduce the strength of the tree in the future.  If the 25% of the
bark is loose, it is likely that at least part of that portion will
die, making it less likely that the tree will survive.

We all like trees, but we need to keep in mind why we like them.  It
is generally because they are beautiful and serve a function, such
as shading a house or yard.  When they become a liability,
endangering our safety or reducing property value, we need to realize
that the sooner we remove and replace them, the better.  The key is
to replace them with plants that will successfully fill the void that
was left. Some people have a sentimental attachment to a particular
tree.  This attachment can be maintained in various ways. One is to
start a new plant from seed or a cutting from the old tree.  Other
ways are to keep a momento from the old tree.  This can include such
things as development of an art piece, furniture, or even a door stop
from the wood of the tree.

I would not anticipate that there would be great danger of the tree 
or major branches falling before next spring if the accident happened 
in August this year, so the tree could be left until then to see what 
happens.  However, even if it leafs out, the problems mentioned above 
do not change.  If it is removed this year, the site can be prepared 
for planting another tree.

Good Luck,
Jim
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