How Can I Save a Tree Limb That Is Cracked but Still Attached?

Connect one end of a come-along winch to a limb above the damaged limb. Connect the opposite end of the come-along to the damaged limb 5 to 6 feet out toward the end of the limb from the split.

Trim any excessively jagged edges of the split with a knife. Pull the cracked limb together with the come-along winch until the edges of the split are pulled flush together.

Drill a hole through the split with a drill and bit. Drill through both halves of the split, making sure to locate the hole in solid wood so the bolt will hold securely. Match the drill bit size to the bolt being used. The size of the bolt will depend on the size of the tree limb.

Place a washer on a bolt then insert the bolt assembly through the drilled hole. Place another washer on the bolt against the limb and thread a nut onto the bolt. Tighten the nut down with an adjustable wrench to secure the bolt in place, but do not over tighten.

Screw an eye lag bolt into the damage limb where the come-along is attached. Screw another eye lag bolt into the limb above the damaged limb where the come-along is attached. Insert a screwdriver into the eye of the bolts to help turn and thread them into the limbs.

Insert the free end of a small diameter cable through one of the eye lag bolts. Pull the end of the cable down and twist it several turnsaround the main length of cable below the eye lag bolt. Use pliers to help twist the wire if necessary.

Pull the opposite end of the cable through the other eye lag bolt. Pull the cable down and wrap it around the main cable length several turns, using pliers once again, if necessary, to help wrap the cable. Remove the come-along winch from the limbs.