I just purchased a home in the Dallas, Texas area. In the back yard of this house is a large elm tree -- I'd estimate it is 60 to 70 feet tall with a trunk diameter of two to three feet just above the ground. The house was built in the 60s and I would not be surprised if the tree was planted then.

Unfortunately, the tree's trunk splits about four or five feet above the ground. There is a heavy gauge chain wrapped around the trunk just above the split crotch. The chain appears to have been bolted onto the trunk to try and prevent the crotch from splitting even more (maybe they had some wind damage at some point -- or were just worried about it). At any rate, the chain encircles each of the two split limbs above the crotch, and then goes all the way around both limbs.

The chain has obviously been in place for many years. The bark has grown around the chain and has almost closed over the chain in some areas. Look here to see a picture of the tree trunk and chain:
* trunk: http://home.earthlink.net/~hawhite/
Images/Elm1.jpg
* close-up of chain: http://home.earthlink.net/
~hawhite/Images/Elm1.jpg
(note there are no spaces in either of these address)

My main question is this: will the tree die because the chain is completely encircling the bark? I can currently see signs of stress in the upper branches.

Thanks in advance for any help you can provide regarding this matter.

Adam White
hawhite@bigfoot.com

Reply to post by Adam White, on July 10, 2002 at 00:34:57:

It's unfortunate that you have inherited this problem along with the property you purchased.
Someone dealt with a tree structural problem in an way not currently favored as a long-term solution, and left you holding the bag, so to speak.
As to whether the tree is dying or will die directly as a result of the chains, I cannot say. But there is likely to be some disruption of normal tissue development and nutrient flow in this area.
The bigger question, to me, is how safe is the tree? Where will the limbs fall if they break out?
I advise you to get a certified arborist who has experience in tree bracing, to become informed about your options.
It may be that the tree will live and be an asset for years to come. Or, it may be determined unsafe and need to be removed or braced in a more effective way.

Reply to post by Mark Goodwin, on July 10, 2002 at 00:34:57:

Cabling and pruning the tree may extend its usable life. the chain has to be removed as much as possible without too much bark damage. This is an extremely sensitive operation--find someone experienced.

Most of this work may have to wait until winter-when insects are down and sap flow is not needed so much.

Reply to post by Adam White, on July 10, 2002 at 00:34:57:

Things don't look too good, Adam.

When a rope, cable or chain is wrapped around the stem, it chokes the tree. The tree must grow new layers of wood each year, and grow larger in diameter. The chain has cut the flow of sap up the tree, so dieback of the top branches can be expected.

The prognosis is uncertain. This one requires a site visit by a qualified arborist to know what might work. It might be possible to remove enough of the chain to stop further damage. It may also already be too far gone to save.

The next question is the split crotch and the extent of any decay that may be inside. This too will require expertise to diagnose.

The American Society of Consulting Arborists can recommend highly qualified arborists and consultants in your area. Their web site and database is at

http://www.asca-consultants.org

or contact the main office at

American Society of Consulting Arborists
15245 Shady Grove Road
Suite 130
Rockville, MD 20850
(301) 947-0483

The International Society of Arboriculture maintains a current list of ISA Certified Arborists. The searchable list can be accessed at the ISA Web site, at:
http://www.isa-arbor.com