Firefall maple split

[Trexdude_99]

Last year we had a tornado roll through it neighborhood. Fortunately only 2 trees on our property had damage. However one of the trees has a split down the main trunk. I've attached some pictures. Any suggestions for how to deal with this? I'd hate to cut down the tree eat this point and start over.

 

[ATH]

If it were a big tree, I'd be worried about the rest of that top splitting out and would want to get a closer look. However, it is not going to hurt anything if it does come off.

Get the string off so it doesn't girdle the tree. Possibly just put a small screw in there to hold the 2 halves together? Wait 3-5 years and see what happens. I bet it will be good.

Other option: replace now while it is small and in 5 years you will have a tree that has been growing for 5 years...

 

[Raintree]

Drop crotch prune below the trunk split. It will recover without a central lead.

 

[ATH]

Drop crotch prune below the trunk split. It will recover without a central lead.

That next branch about a foot (?) below the string? I agree it will recover and live. If that were the only choice for my tree, I'd replace it. Not saying you are wrong...just not the way I'd take it. If I did that, I'd at least try to pull of a lateral to train as a new leader.

 

[Raintree]

That next branch about a foot (?) below the string? I agree it will recover and live. If that were the only choice for my tree, I'd replace it. Not saying you are wrong...just not the way I'd take it. If I did that, I'd at least try to pull of a lateral to train as a new leader.

Agreed, you and I would both remove and replace this tree. In severe storm damage situations any standing viable tree should be salvaged. This is not the case with the OP.