Storm-Split Oak: Don't Cut It Down—Brace & Monitor

The neighbor's fallen oak cracked yours, but the wound isn't fatal. At worst, the smaller fork may eventually break. The tree will compartmentalize the injury.

Action Plan

• Spray wound area with Merit (imidacloprid) to deter borers.
• Do not fill or paint the crack.
• Monitor. If a section dies later, prune it out. The main tree survives.

Tree services may push removal for profit. Get a second opinion from a consulting arborist if unsure.