# I need help saving a damaged tree **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [September 18, 2008, 6:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-need-help-saving-a-damaged-tree/464186 "2008-09-18T18:57:21Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 2\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Jimson\_Jim](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/838e76/32.png) [@Jimson\_Jim](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jimson_Jim)\ **Post date:** [September 18, 2008, 6:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-need-help-saving-a-damaged-tree/464186/1 "2008-09-18T18:57:21Z")
Until Sunday our back yard was home to a grand tree. It’s gigantic it must be 5-6 feet across at the base. The base is hollow and home to a small family of bats. I have no idea how old it is or even what kind of tree it is. We call it “the old man”. [This was the old man](http://www.flickr.com/photos/7302259@N02/2868596018/in/set-72157607359320304/) Then the remnants of Ike hit and the “old man” didn’t fare so well. [He suffered some severe damage](http://www.flickr.com/photos/7302259@N02/2868595806/in/set-72157607359320304/) Can anyone tell me how to best help this poor tree. My grandfather would have recommend spreading tar on the damage to the trunk to keep out bugs. But I was never sure that did anything. I’d call an arborist but they’re all busy right now. I can’t even leave a message. Any advice would be welcome. ---
**Author:** ![Duckster](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/duckster/32/1244_2.png) [@Duckster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Duckster)\ **Post date:** [September 18, 2008, 7:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-need-help-saving-a-damaged-tree/464186/2 "2008-09-18T19:15:06Z")
Contact your local university agricultural extension service, your state DNR or forestry service, or even the US Forest Service. Explain your desire to keep the tree and what options you may have (and that may include having it cut down). All of these agencies should be able to offer you clear and objective advice. Only after you’ve exhausted the above, contact a commercial tree surgeon, if necessary.