Question

In our courtyard, a 100+ years old pecan tree and about 100?high was recently trimmed. At about 20?the massive trunk diverges into a Y shaped trunk with the two new massive trunks climbing another 80?with a beautiful canopy.

Being in south Florida we are always being attacked by every known insect. Five years ago, the web worm made its way to our tree. We have been treating and spraying the tree twice a year to alleviate the problem. We have not been able to eliminate the problem, but this is not my most pressing issue with the tree.

The arborist noticed that the one side of the tree above the 20?break-off did not look right when they cut into the branches. They started cutting back some 8?12?limbs that were about 60% hollowed out. The arborist suggested that we cut the entire 80?right side trunk down to just above the 20?break-off. Much to my chagrin, we did.

As they angled off the final cut in the massive trunk, I was amazed to see a hollow hole that occupies about 40% of the surface and extends down to the bottom of the tree.  However, the remaining side of the tree was trimmed and did not exhibit any serious hollowing in the limbs, but does have minimal hollowing throughout.

The arborist was not all that familiar with such a giant pecan tree in Fort Lauderdale, but he thought the tree was just dying of old age. Do you agree? I have been reading that it is typical for older healthy pecan trees to be hollow out, but still grow and stay healthy. Do you think there is any merit to that thought? Is there anything that can be done to save this tree?  

Answer
Robert:

The tree may have a slow, yet progressive disease that causes a wood rot.  A tree, if fertilized and watered well to encourage vigorous growth can persist for may years, however the internal decay will ultimately weaken the overall structure of the tree and eventually cause the tree to fail- usually during a wind storm (ice in our area!).  The heart wood is often considered dead, however it does add strength and support.  No magic bullet, just good fert. and water and avoid any wounds to the trunk- these are often a death sentence to a tree.  Over time the canopy will start to thin each spring when it leafs out.  At some point, especially if the tree starts to cause a potential hazard to person or property, it may have to come down.

Steve