Going Nuts: How to Repair a Split Branch

Last summer I noticed that my beloved Red bud was in need of some TLC: its branching off bough had a large crack in it. I knew it had to be fixed. So I googled "how to fix a split branch."

I would've never guessed that you can repair a broken tree branch with nuts and bolts, but apparently it's a common practice. Here's what my husband and I did:

• drilled holes--as close to the split as possible--through both branches growing out of the bough 
• hammered a threaded rod through the holes
• put washers and nuts on both ends of the threaded rod
• tightened up the nuts with an adjustable wrench
• trimmed the ends of the threaded rod using a saw
• hung a wind-chime on one end
• hoped for the best

I'm very happy to report the mended bough is doing fine, and the Red bud's blooming nicely.

So if you ever need to repair a broken branch, try bolting it together -- it just might work.

Live for the Love of it,

Sasha A. Palmer (aka Happy)