Tree Health

What Causes Large Holes in Tree Trunks?

Wounds, decay, animals, and how to assess what they mean.

Published 2023-08-07 5 min Reviewed by an ISA-Certified Arborist

Direct answer

Cavities form from old wounds that fail to compartmentalize.

Cavities form from old wounds that fail to compartmentalize. The question is wall thickness around the cavity, a cavity with a thin remaining wall is a structural concern.

Arbor Image Tree Care, based in Oklahoma City, OK, serves the Oklahoma City metro with arborist-led tree health, preservation, pruning, removal, planting, and storm response.

What to do next

  1. Take 3–4 photos of the tree, full canopy, base, and any damage.
  2. Note the city, neighborhood, and what you've already seen change.
  3. Request a free on-site assessment from an ISA-Certified Arborist.
  4. We'll send a written quote with preservation options before any saw runs.

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