Q. I have a fig tree that is close to 30 years old. It
was getting out of control so I have been pruning it. I noticed some holes in
the trunk but as I am cutting the branches I find that some are completely
hollow inside. Other than a few dead
areas that I am pruning out, the tree looks generally ok and is putting out new
growth, even from the hollow branches. Since the main trunk seems to be
involved I can’t really cut out all the part that is affected. Can you tell me what is causing this and if there
is anything that I need, or can do about it???
I noticed the hollow where I had cut out a branch from the trunk a long
time ago, but did not worry about it.
I would like to save the tree, it has sentimental value and provides
needed shade. I have attached some
photos.
was getting out of control so I have been pruning it. I noticed some holes in
the trunk but as I am cutting the branches I find that some are completely
hollow inside. Other than a few dead
areas that I am pruning out, the tree looks generally ok and is putting out new
growth, even from the hollow branches. Since the main trunk seems to be
involved I can’t really cut out all the part that is affected. Can you tell me what is causing this and if there
is anything that I need, or can do about it???
I noticed the hollow where I had cut out a branch from the trunk a long
time ago, but did not worry about it.
I would like to save the tree, it has sentimental value and provides
needed shade. I have attached some
photos.
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| Readers fig tree with hole in the trunk |
A. Your pictures through me for a loop a bit. I have not
seen that on fig before but I have seen something similar on other trees. I
knew it was not from borers but I was not sure why you lost the center of your
fig trees.
seen that on fig before but I have seen something similar on other trees. I
knew it was not from borers but I was not sure why you lost the center of your
fig trees.
When
trees grow, they grow both upward and in girth. We know that upward growth is
from the buds on trees. Growth in girth is not as obvious. Growth in girth is
from some cylindrical layers just under the bark.
trees grow, they grow both upward and in girth. We know that upward growth is
from the buds on trees. Growth in girth is not as obvious. Growth in girth is
from some cylindrical layers just under the bark.
As a fig
tree gets fatter, the center of the tree dies. As it continues to grow fatter
and fatter, the dead wood in the center of the tree gets larger and larger. As
long as the tree remains healthy and doesn’t get any infections, the deadwood
in the center of the tree remains intact.
tree gets fatter, the center of the tree dies. As it continues to grow fatter
and fatter, the dead wood in the center of the tree gets larger and larger. As
long as the tree remains healthy and doesn’t get any infections, the deadwood
in the center of the tree remains intact.
On some
occasions, organisms such as fungi and bacteria can invade the center of a tree
and begin feeding on this dead wood. These organisms are almost always feeding
only on deadwood and not the living parts of the tree.
occasions, organisms such as fungi and bacteria can invade the center of a tree
and begin feeding on this dead wood. These organisms are almost always feeding
only on deadwood and not the living parts of the tree.
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| Fig limb hollow |
So these
organisms technically are not disease organisms but wood-rotting organisms.
Since the center of a tree is dead, these organisms continue to feed on this
dead center of the tree and can hollow out a tree very effectively. I think we
have all seen pictures or cartoons of animals living inside of trees. Well,
this can actually happen.
organisms technically are not disease organisms but wood-rotting organisms.
Since the center of a tree is dead, these organisms continue to feed on this
dead center of the tree and can hollow out a tree very effectively. I think we
have all seen pictures or cartoons of animals living inside of trees. Well,
this can actually happen.
The
center of the larger trunk and branches of a fig tree are filled with dead wood
that is fairly soft and pithy. Once these wood-rotting organisms get going they
will clean out that central core of large branches and the trunk. The living
portion of the tree is unaffected.
center of the larger trunk and branches of a fig tree are filled with dead wood
that is fairly soft and pithy. Once these wood-rotting organisms get going they
will clean out that central core of large branches and the trunk. The living
portion of the tree is unaffected.
What
you have is not a borer problem but a wood rotting process going on. There is
nothing you need to do about it but keep in mind that these branches may snap
more easily than branches which do not have the central core hollowed out.
you have is not a borer problem but a wood rotting process going on. There is
nothing you need to do about it but keep in mind that these branches may snap
more easily than branches which do not have the central core hollowed out.
This is
one of the reasons I emphasize so strongly to clean your pruning saws and
pruning shears before you start pruning. It is best to clean and sanitize them
between each tree, not necessarily between each cut unless you know the limb is
diseased.
one of the reasons I emphasize so strongly to clean your pruning saws and
pruning shears before you start pruning. It is best to clean and sanitize them
between each tree, not necessarily between each cut unless you know the limb is
diseased.
I have a very similar fig tree here in the south of Spain. Mainly where in the past big branches were sawn off the heart wood has rotten. I even had a termite infestation. Sawn of part of that branch, and let an army of ants do it's job. All termites gone now. I plan to close off the big openings with aluminium tape and tree balsam.