How to Repair Split Forks

Ice is your tree's worst enemy. When winter ice storms come, the branches become covered in a heavy layer of ice. That ice weighs down the branches on your tree, ripping them from the trunk or splitting forks into the tree between the branches. Learn how to repair a split fork in your tree the next time an ice storm wreaks havoc on your yard.

Block and tackle
Drill
Bolt (to go through split fork)
Nut for bolt

Instructions

- 1
  Attach the block and tackle to the branches, several feet above the split fork. Draw the branches together with the block and tackle.
- 2
  Drill a hole through the fork where the tree split. The hole should pass roughly through the center of each half of the split.
- 3
  Screw a nut on the end of the bolt to secure it. Tighten the nut until it has drawn the split together as much as possible.
- 4
  Release the branches from the block and tackle.

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