What does it mean if a tree is hollow?

Why do trunks become hollow? A hollowing trunk is a natural process and it’s not necessarily a sign of an ailing tree. The centre of the tree is deadwood which is slowly decayed by fungi. The fungi is perfectly happy in the deadwood and will rarely touch the living sapwood.

Can a tree be hollow and still be alive?

Surprisingly, a hollow tree trunk does NOT mean that the tree is dead. A tree can still thrive and be sturdy with a hollow center. Think of it like a steel pipe: hollow in the center, but still very strong.

Should holes in trees be filled?

Filling the hole can improve the aesthetics of the tree. But if your goal is simply to keep animals out of the tree, consider covering the hole with wire mesh. This will keep larger animals such as squirrels and birds out of the tree cavity.

Is it bad if a tree is hollow?

While the hollow in your tree at home may not be anything fantastic, it can cause concern if the tree is old or ill. Tree hollows are the result of decay that takes place after some type of injury. Hollows aren’t all bad, providing much needed shelter to a variety of different wildlife species.

What can I do with a hollow tree trunk?

Hollow trees can be left open or the cavity may be filled. If the hollow is left open, do not drill a hole to allow water to drain as this is an additional wound to the tree. Do not use concrete as a fill material as it will not move with the trunk resulting in more injury.

How do you tell if a tree is rotten inside?

Branches become dry and riddled with holes from wood-boring pests. But other times, it’s less clear when trees are in poor health. Signs of internal rot include mushrooms growing on brittle bark, branches falling off, and discolored leaves. Decaying trees can be dangerous, as recent events have shown.