BOOM! CRASH! CRACK! A big storm just rolled through your neighbourhood and now you’re staring at your yard in shock, jaw dropped. Your favorite tree just broke in half. The elements leave no mercy for your tree, and now you’re stuck between what to do and how you’re going to mourn your tree. Or it’s less dramatic, and just happened to break in half naturally. Do you try to fix it yourself, or is it time to bring in the pros?

Here’s how you can determine if your beloved tree is savable or if it’s time to let it go.

Can I Save My Split Tree?

The short answer: sometimes. When a tree breaks in half, it can look dramatic and hopeless, but that doesn’t always mean it’s entirely gone. Don’t start the preparations to get rid of your broken tree before checking for these things:

Where the break happened: A break in the main trunk is more serious than one in a branch. This is because the trunk carries nutrients and water between the roots and the leaves, so damage there affects the whole tree.
How big the tree is: Young trees bounce back better than older, larger ones. Younger trees are still growing and can more easily redirect their energy to heal or regrow lost parts.
How healthy the tree was before: A healthy tree stands a better chance of recovering than one already dealing with disease or decay.
How clean the break is: Jagged splits are tougher to deal with than smoother breaks. A clean break gives you a clearer assessment and a better chance to seal the wound naturally to avoid infection or rot.

After you’ve closely inspected these factors, you’ll be able to decide if it’s worth saving or if you should call expert tree clearing services before the damage becomes dangerous for you and your home.

How To Save Your Broken Tree

Before you impulsively grab any tree-removing tools, it’s important to assess the situation calmly and carefully. Here’s how you can respond if your tree broke in half.

What To Do Before Calling Arborists

If you’re comfortable working with your hands and the break isn’t too high or dangerous, you can try a few things on your own to help your tree recover.

1. Clean up the wound

Trees heal best when the break is clean. If the split left behind rough, torn bark or dangling branches, then:

Use clean, sharp tools like loppers or a hand saw.
Trim any ragged edges around the break so the tree can heal more easily.
Do not use wound paint or sealant; trees know themselves best and are better at sealing off damage on their own.

2. Support the trunk or branches

If a smaller tree broke in half but still has a strong connection between the broken parts:

Try gently pushing the halves together and wrapping them with a soft cloth or a strap. An old T-shirt, stretchy garden tape, or a wide bungee cord can all work. Avoid anything that can cut further into the bark, like wire or thin rope.
You can use a splint or a sturdy stake to support the broken trunk. Place it firmly into the ground next to the tree and gently tie the trunk to it using soft ties, keeping it upright without pulling too tightly.
Keep it secure, but don’t tie it too tightly. Again, you don’t want to damage any healthy bark.

3. Trim away excess weight

If large branches are adding pressure to the broken area:

Remove damaged branches to relieve pressure and help the tree focus its energy on healing.
Always cut just outside the branch collar (the small bump where the branch joins the trunk).

4. Water and mulch

Helping the tree recover from a break is a lot like helping it recover from stress.

Water it regularly, especially during dry spells.
Add mulch around the base (but not touching the trunk) to keep roots cool and moist.

When To Call Professionals

There are times when it’s just too risky or too complicated to handle it on your own. If any of the following is true, it’s a smart move to bring in a licensed arborist in New York:

The tree is very tall or leaning dangerously
The broken section is near power lines or your roof
The break is deep into the main trunk
You’re not sure what kind of tree it is or how it usually heals

Even though there are steps you can take yourself, if your tree breaks in half and you’re unsure of how to help it recover, it’s better to be safe than sorry.

How To Take Care Of a Broken Tree

The work isn’t done after you’ve bandaged up your tree! Trees that have broken in half need some extra TLC in the weeks and months that follow.

Here’s how to give it the best shot at bouncing back:

Keep an eye out for new growth: If you see fresh leaves or shoots growing, that’s a great sign the tree is still healthy. That’s the tree thanking you!
Watch for signs of decay: Soft wood, mushrooms near the base, or peeling bark can all point to deeper health issues. This might result in further action.
Protect it from pests: A fresh wound can attract insects. Since we don’t want any critters getting into the tree while it’s still healing, you might need to use natural repellents or traps nearby if bugs become a problem.
Avoid fertilizing right away: It’s tempting to give the tree a boost, but too much fertilizer can stress it further. Wait a full season before adding anything.

Like most things, time heals all, and patience is key. Some trees recover in a few months, others might take a year or two to bounce back. Don’t feel discouraged too early on if you don’t see signs of improvement; you can make a decision later on down the road as long as the tree isn’t becoming a danger.

A Split Tree Doesn’t Always Mean Goodbye

It’s not fun watching your once-blooming tree get split by things you can’t control. But this doesn’t mean it’s the end of the line for your tree. Younger or healthier trees can recover with the right care. If you’re confident and the break isn’t too dangerous, there are several steps you can take on your own. But if the damage is major, high up, or near your home, don’t hesitate to get professional help. Either way, your tree has a better chance of survival when you give it the right attention.