Tree help

[MisterSanders]

Have an oak tree with a hole right in the center. I cleaned all the mud and leaves out of it, doesn’t look rotten. Any arborist here? I’ve hear full it with concrete, drill a hole so it can drain? Wondering if I need guide wires so it doesn’t split. Thanks for the help!

[MisterSanders]

Hole is about 2 feet in the center

[MisterSanders]

No arborists or tree experts?

[Sackett]

I am an Arborist. Most of what you've heard or been recommended are old school methods. There are times where there is no school like the old school, but this ain't one. If you fill the cavity with concrete, you essentially create a breeding ground for fungal spores and decay by increasing the moisture of the cavity through eliminating air flow and sunlight, however limited. Live Oaks are THE strongest/most dense tree we have and very rarely need cabling or bracing (guide wires). Essentially, you have a tree with multiple dominant trunks. The absolute best solution you can do in this scenario is most likely "Nothing at all". Mother Nature has been doing this a lot longer than we have. The only thing I might suggest is a systemic insecticide and a systemic fungicide to help fight off unwanted pests and fungus.

[MisterSanders]

I am an Arborist. Most of what you've heard or been recommended are old school methods. There are times where there is no school like the old school, but this ain't one. If you fill the cavity with concrete, you essentially create a breeding ground for fungal spores and decay by increasing the moisture of the cavity through eliminating air flow and sunlight, however limited. Live Oaks are THE strongest/most dense tree we have and very rarely need cabling or bracing (guide wires). Essentially, you have a tree with multiple dominant trunks. The absolute best solution you can do in this scenario is most likely "Nothing at all". Mother Nature has been doing this a lot longer than we have. The only thing I might suggest is a systemic insecticide and a systemic fungicide to help fight off unwanted pests and fungus.

So the trunk being full of decayed leaves, mud, and water won’t hurt? Should I try to keep it empty, or just let it do what it do? The tree seems to hold water.