Is it OK to use wood glue to help repair a fruit tree?

Question

We have a plum tree, the main trunk split near the top because of branches overloaded with fruit. The split is about a foot long and goes right through the center of the trunk, where the trunk is about 5" across.

It most of the instructions for repairing it that I've found online say that you first pull the split together using rope etc. above the split, then drill holes and put a couple of bolts through the trunk to hold the split closed, then it's OK to remove the rope.

But some sites also say that before you bolt the split together, that you should apply outdoor wood glue inside the split to strengthen it.

Is using glue like this OK? It seems like a good idea, but I'm wondering if there are any chemicals in the glue that would harm the tree? Even if the glue is labeled "non-toxic"?

Anonymous · Accepted Answer

You should really consult someone at a garden center with this question. 

I believe binding the split, then using fasteners is intended to allow the tree to actually mend back together. If you use any substance between the two halves of the split this cannot take place. In addition, most glues state that you should apply them to a clean dry surface. Since by nature the wood inside of a tree trunk is moist, the glue would most probably fail anyway.

I would recommend that whatever fasteners you might use should be stainless steel to avoid rust damaging the tree.

? · Answer

Tree Glue

Gina · Answer

Doesn't sound like it to me! Wood glue contains toxins that could damage either the tree or the fruit. It could also clog the tree's "pores", the network it uses to move moisture from the roots to the rest of the tree, causing dryness and possibly death. I would just wrap and bolt.

darkferrie · Answer

I would avoid using glue. It can suffocate the tree. Since most wood glue expands it can seep into the pours, if anything you would not want to eat is in the glue I would avoid that part.

Anonymous · Answer

it sounds lie a leak from above.the leak should be fixed first or it will happen again.If the carpet above your ceiling leak is wet you have the possible leak source nearby.Is there a leaky window or another way water could be getting in causing the carpet upstairs to get wet?Check all sources for water getting in [windows;roof;cracked mortar on exterior of bldg.] If you are renting this is Landys problem not yours.Make sure carpet comes up and is dried properly so there are no mold issues.

Sandyspacecase · Answer

I've been using Elmer's White Glue for things in my garden for years and it has never affected them before. I trust it.

SFB · Answer

you are kidding right???

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Is it OK to use wood glue to help repair a fruit tree?

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