Filling a tree hole

Question

I’ve researched enough to know that filling holes with caulk, etc. is not a popular fix any longer. Last week I was able to enjoy the warm weather and checked the trees in my yard. I have a third generation/volunteer sour cherry tree that has produced many pies over the years. 6-7 years ago it was badly damaged in a hail storm; the wounds have mostly healed, but the main trunk runs almost horizontal to the ground and the top of the trunk has a two foot section where the heartwood is exposed. This winter the birds made several deep holes into the exposed wood. Fearing further bird/insect/moisture damage I cleaned out the holes and filled them with cement. Now I’m wondering if the Portland cement mixture will be toxic in the fruit. Any advice is welcome, thank you.

Answer 1

Research has shown that filling tree holes does more harm than good. Those holes develop a natural barrier to protect itself, so it isn’t necessary to intervene.

This article will give you more information: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/tgen/patching-tree-hole.htm