Oak tree w/ birds

[rick]

There is an amazingly beautiful old oak tree (100 years old maybe?) that is on my property. Over the years some large branches have been removed. At the junction where one of the branches used to meet the trunk, birds have created a nest by pecking a hole in the tree. Everyday there is fresh 'sawdust' at the base of the tree. Is this harming the tree and if so how do I help? One friend suggested cementing the opening... (Of course i'd encourage the birds out first... I may be thinking of destroying their home but I'm not Vincent Price!)

 

[treeclimber165]

Concrete is NOT the way to go. Concrete is rigid and trees are flexible. The concrete will become a moisture trap and accellerate decay. Also it will cost some poor tree man many dollars in the future when his saw hits it. I have seen where some treemen have used spray foam for filling cavities, but haven't read or heard anything on it.