Splitting Silver Maple Trunk: Call State Forestry for Free Evaluation

Family Tree in Crisis: Structural Failure

A 17-year-old silver maple with splitting main trunk and a major limb ready to break needs professional assessment. Silver maple has weak wood and poor compartmentalization—splits often lead to catastrophic failure.

Immediate Step

Contact NC Forest Service (919-857-4801) – they provide free on-site evaluations by foresters. Do not attempt cabling yourself; improper installation worsens splits.

Possible Outcomes

• Cabling/bracing by certified arborist (if structure allows).
• Removal if decay is extensive.
• Reduction pruning to lighten load.

Act before the next storm. Safety first.