How to patch Oak Tree Holes

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This is how we patched Oak Tree holes in Central Texas. We have live oaks, Spanish oaks and others. The carpenter ants damage the trees. There are various techniques that are debated on how to patch a hole. We need to keep the water and critters out of the tree, so we closed the holes.

[@brandonfinch8653]

This tree was pruned too close to the truck and decades before it could seal over. I’m invested to see how this does

[@DrBDIY]

Possibly. The tree was like that when we moved in. TBD

[@-ox9zz]

This is fascinating, new subscriber with a hole in a Silver Maple to deal with before it starts snowing. Would be very grateful for an update on your method and also more info on the "BT" product you mentioned. Many thanks for your useful content. (edited to say NM re the BT, paused the show and got the info.)

[@DrBDIY]

The tree has developed new branch shoots near the covered holes. They are about 4' long. I have not peeked inside the holes. I have not seen any new mushrooms growing on the trees. Overall, I think it very well. Another person asked that I peek inside but at this point I don't want to take the cover off. Removing the entry for water and critters helped.

[@jerryc3050]

Good video. I'm in northeast Louisiana and have an live oak with a cavity/hole from aggressive pruning by a professional tree service. I'm wondering, you published in March of 2022 and wonder how your tree is doing. thanks -jerry

[@DrBDIY]

Tree is doing okay. No further decay. But I always wonder if the existing decay is too much and should I take some of the tree down.

[@Daniel08353]

So what research lead you to this approach method? Have you seen any results to any tree you’ve done (positive or negative); or does it still remain as hypothesis?

[@DrBDIY]

Good question. There is lots of data out there that says do / do not fill the holes with foam, concrete, dirt, etc. There is also data that says do / do not leave the holes open and they will heal naturally. My tree was not healing and I got tired of spider webs and snakes living in the holes, plus constant wetness, rot and mushrooms. So I just put the metal on the tree. No new holes, no snakes, no decay... so far.

[@Daniel08353]

@@DrBDIY I’ve seen many holes decay too much before fully dealing over. I hope this will work out. I’m going to try it out myself on the open cavities

[@DrBDIY]

Let us know your results.

[@garybednarz]

With that concern of structural damage why not use epoxy with aggregate or rebar and/or glass cloth?

[@DrBDIY]

Didn't see those approaches.

[@christinarubio9962]

Did you let the tree dry for a few days before you put the metal on ?

[@DrBDIY]

Yes, about 7 days.

[@ADean-qu3ys]

How is this tree doing? Have you removed a cover and inspected inside?

[@DrBDIY]

The tree is doing well considering we had two droughts and two freezes since we did the video. I have new branches growing near the patched area. I have not removed the covers. I should do a follow up video...

[@ADean-qu3ys]

@@DrBDIY I would love to see the inside to see how it’s doing.

[@matthewblackwood4704]

Nice oak tree it is tiny.

[@garybednarz]

What is the carpenter ant spray you used?

[@DrBDIY]

Bioadvanced

[@ronr3656]

There are so many things wrong with this. You should be providing a surface for the wound wood closure, not covering the wound wood and nailing into it, causing additional damage and entry points for pathogens. I also suspect the tin could cause heat damage. To answer another's question, no there is not research to support this approach and much to argue against it. Who am I? ISA BCMA and ASCA RCA.

[@DrBDIY]

You could be right. I am not an arborist. But my okay tree is full of new branches and leaves. No new holes or rot appearing. No mushrooms. The patches worked well.