The recommended method for closing a hole in a tree is to use a thin metal flap or screening covered with plaster over the opening. This approach is favored because it helps protect the tree from further harm while allowing natural healing.
Closing holes in trees, often called "patching," isn't about filling the cavity completely, which can trap moisture and promote rot. Instead, it's about creating a barrier that prevents external threats like pests and water from entering the wound, thereby allowing the tree's natural defenses to work.
The Recommended Approach
Based on best practices, the advised way to address a tree hole involves a specific type of covering.
- What to Use: The recommended method for patching a tree hole is to use a thin metal flap or screening covered with plaster over the tree hole.
- Why It Works: This patching method serves a dual purpose:
- Protection: It will prevent animals and water from entering the hole. This is crucial as pests can cause further damage and moisture can accelerate decay within the cavity.
- Healing Support: It creates a surface that the bark and outer living layers can eventually grow back over. This allows the tree's natural compartmentalization processes to seal the wound over time.
Practical Steps (Based on General Practice & Reference)
While the reference specifically mentions the materials, here's how this might be generally implemented:
- Assess the Hole: Clean out any loose debris or decayed wood from the hole without enlarging it.
- Prepare the Patch: Cut a piece of thin metal (like sheet metal) or screening slightly larger than the hole.
- Apply Plaster: Cover the metal or screening with a thin layer of plaster.
- Secure the Patch: Fasten the patch over the hole. The goal is to seal the opening to the outside environment.
- Monitor: Periodically check the patch to ensure it remains intact and that the tree's bark is beginning to grow around it.
Important Considerations:
- This method is typically used for holes that don't indicate severe internal decay or structural instability.
- For large holes or trees showing signs of significant stress, consulting a certified arborist is always recommended. They can properly assess the tree's health and recommend the most appropriate course of action, which might include cabling, pruning, or other treatments instead of or in addition to patching.
Using a thin metal flap or screening covered with plaster helps protect the tree while promoting its own natural healing process, preventing further intrusion by water and animals.
