How to patch a hole in a tree?

[Flybye]

We had to remove an old hammock hook and eye from our honey locust tree which resulted in a 2" wide by about 5" deep hole. Any ideas on how/what to use to patch the hole??

[KnottedYet]

I've seen arborists use some tarry stuff for trees. It dries into a good seal. Dunno what it is called. Maybe contact a nursery near you?

[tulip]

Contact your ag extension agency in your county. They can direct you to the appropriate information or person.

[Mr. Bloom]

I've heard the tarry stuff is bad for trees (at least after pruning...but possibly different for a deep hole)...

[bmccasland]

Contact your ag extension agency in your county. They can direct you to the appropriate information or person.

This is probably the best advice - treatment could depend on the species of tree, and location of the hole.

[alimey]

Hi there

I would recommend doing nothing. Filling the hole w/ tarry stuff or painting it can trap bacteria in the hole (although it used to be a popular approach - along w/ concrete in big holes!!). The tree has an immune system which should isolate/encapsulate any problems associated with the hole. If the hole tends to fill with water, consider drilling another drain hole into it so it can dry out properly.

[Flybye]

Thanks for the replies. Apparently around here the tar is still the way to go. I purchased some in a spray can and sprayed it this afternoon. I am not too worried about bacteria b/c the average day temp is most likely too cold for bacteria and the hole was "open" for less than 24 hours. I honestly don't know if what I used was tar or not, there are no ingredients listed on the can - but - whatever it was came out black and sticky
Thanks for your replies!

[Tuckervill]

What happens to holes in trees is that they give entrance for water to get in there and rot the tree from the inside out, and for squirrels to get in there and build nests. Three of the trees that have fallen on my property had gigantic squirrel nests inside the gigantic cavities that resulted from tiny little holes.

The tree that fell on our balcony had a cavity that was probably 10 feet long. It was long enough that 6 or 7 squirrels could sit inside it huddled in the back while we were slicing the tree from the top (about 18" diameter) and we didn't even know it. When we finally got too close for comfort, the squirrels started shooting out, jumping OVER THE SAW BLADE, one by one! It was quite a startling event and hilarious. Each slice brought out a new squirrel!

Can you imagine being that last hold-out squirrel, waiting for the very last minute before jumping out over a roaring saw blade?

Karen