We recently purchased a very old home with many large trees. We were concerned about one tree which, though mostly healthy, had several dead portions hanging precariously over our garage. We got a recommendation for a tree surgeon, who told us the tree needed to be heavily topped, but could be saved.
Her crew removed several of the problem branches, as well as several very large branches that seemed perfectly healthy and not a danger, leaving most of the branches over the garage untouched. Then we were left a voice message and told that the job could not be completed because the branches are full of concrete. ??? I honestly don't know much about trees, but this sounds pretty odd to me. We were given no further information. Is concrete ever used to fill an opening or prevent decay? How would it even be applied? We can see no evidence of concrete, and are very skeptical. Also, we are left with a very unhappy looking tree. Any advice?

Reply to post by Jennifer Moore, on February 24, 2000 at 08:32:49:

Here at the college we have an American elm that has concrete visible in the trunk well above forty feet.
I too wonder how? and who ever? Sometimes a tree will successfully grow new tissue over such a filling, making it hard to see.
Trunk bracing rods, as well as nails and other things, are often imbedded in old trees. Sometimes things have been left in the crotch between branches and then became imbedded as new wood grew around them.
Things such as rocks, bottles, etc...
Often the first sign of concrete may be your saw blade being ruined as it strikes.
I'm curious what advice the arborist in your case recommended as the next course of action.
As for the pruning approach they took, you may need (next time) to require more of an exact explanation of the arborist's proposed pruning before letting them go to it. The second opinion, as you must know, is more valuable if it is gotten before the operation.

Reply to post by Mark Goodwin, on February 24, 2000 at 08:32:49:

I have been to trees with concrete in them, and when I see that it is there, I add a clause in the bid-estimate about final cost depending on concrete problems. I have also been ambushed by hidden concrete, which is dangerous, in unexpected places, undetectable, and a big problem to cope with. Your arborist and you need to talk to each other here. Then, if you are diddatisfied, get your second opinion from anotyher ISA Certified (or ASCA Board Registers) arborist.

Reply to post by Jennifer Moore, on February 24, 2000 at 08:32:49:

The first red flag should have been the recommendation of "heavy topping." Of course, you didn't know that topping is always detrimental. I suppose it may be the only available course of action in some cases, but usually removal is a better option in such situations.
As for the contractor leaving you with a partially completed job, what does the contract say about concrete or hidden obstacles? If he was going to "heavily top" the tree, why not just top it a little heavier... below the concrete? I hope that you have not paid him yet, or you may be out your money and your tree.
Please let us know what happens with this.

Reply to post by Ed Milhous, on February 24, 2000 at 08:32:49:

Cutting more to go below the cement is not always an option, either. They did that with the Liberty Tree in Annapolis last fall- When they finally cut below the cement that extended to over 50 feet high, they were three feet below ground. There was an estimated 55 tons of cement inside it.

Reply to post by Russ Carlson, on February 25, 2000 at 08:17:42:

Does anyone know of, or have ideas of, methods or tools that are effective in locating/detecting concrete, etc. in trees where it is not visible?
Imaging can be very expensive, but would a device similar to a stud detector possibly work?

Reply to post by Mark Goodwin, on February 26, 2000 at 11:15:33:

A stud detector may work by itself. I would test it but have only had concrete in a tree
3 times in 19 years. Nails are more common here and in particular copper nails as some
bright spark started a rumour that you can kill a tree by driving a copper nail in.

mark