Water damaging my silver maple? - Knowledgebase Question

Milwaukee, WI (Zone 5B)
Avatar for knitka3
Question by knitka3
February 16, 2008
I have a 15 year old silver maple which is doing quite nicely. The problem is when it rains or snows water collects in the crotch of the tree where 3 branches meet. This is about 4 feet off the ground where it branches out. Will this standing water rot the tree? What can you do to prevent this and is there something out there to fill in this pocket? Cement ,caulk, epoxy what??


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Answer from NGA
February 16, 2008
As long as you do not allow debris to collect in the area, the water should drain on its own. I wouldn't recommend filling the crotch with anything because the bark and branches will continue to grow. Any foreign matter can trap excess moisture and inhibit natural growth of the bark. Just make sure leaves, etc. do not collect in the area. As the tree grows, the crotch will become smaller and less apt to collect rainwater.

Best wishes with your landscape!

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