Cable in tree :-(

[red3recon]

A cable was placed around a tree several years ago and it has grown into the tree. I cut the connector that was on the cable so it is no longer constricting the tree. The problem is, the tree grew around the cable and short of cutting into the new growth I can't figure out how to get it out. My question, is it better to leave that in there now that the ends are lose? Or should I dig into the tree to get the cable out?

 

[sean donato]

Just my opinion, damage is already done, dont know how you would get it out, without further damage to the tree. Leave it.

 

[red3recon]

Just my opinion, damage is already done, dont know how you would get it out, without further damage to the tree. Leave it.

Thank you for that advice. that is what I was thinking too, that's why I didn't want to do anything until getting a second opinion. I understand if it was still attached and all the way around the tree that it would strangle it, but it's only embedded in the back half about an inch into the tree. the way it looks like it's growing around it, it looks like it wouldn't hurt anything to leave it so thanks for that confirmation.

 

[KarlD]

Yes leave it be. When younger I was fascinated to learn that if you put an elastic band around a tree, as the tree grew it wouldn’t expand or break the elastic band, it would simply grow around it the same way it would a wire cable.

 

[old CB]

Trees grow around and incorporate foreign materials all the time. Most operators here can list the things that we've found in trees--the cast iron needle from a hay baler, steel cable, numerous electric fence insulators, chain, nails, bolts--these are just the few I recall offhand, and everyone's got a similar list. Someone somewhere has undoubtedly dulled his saw on an anvil once laid in the crook of a tree.

My only suggestion is that you leave a good deal of the steel hanging out of the tree so that some poor soul can see it before cutting into the tree someday and wondering what instantly dulled his saw.

 

[ElevatorGuy]

Someone one day is gonna be pissed at that.

 

[red3recon]

Someone one day is gonna be pissed at that.

I will take old CD's advice above and leave a foot of cable hanging out of each side.