Hole in Pine Tree

[Joel]

During excavation, a backhoe knocked a large limb off of a pine tree. The limb came off clean, almost like a Lego toy. Now I have a clean hole that goes into the center of the tree. The 12" diameter hole is oozing sap. The workers put some insecticide on it. Do I need to fill the hole with cement or tar?? The only thing that seems to be interested in the cavity is a big ole spider.

 

[Bermie]

Sounds like the 'branch cone' popped out like a pimple! Don't fill it with anything, check for any torn, ripped fibres or bark, cut it off as clean as possible to minimise entry points for disease.
I don't know about insects and stuff that you all get over there that might invade the wound, I'm sure someone else will add their advice.