Look at this cherry

[lctatlp]

Looking for an answer as to why this black cherry is rotted out in the center. Cut down a few days ago. And I have Locust and white walnut/butternut that was recently cut down in the same condition. They are somewhat close to wetlands but I would estimate 30 to 40 feetup a steep hill from the wetlands.

 

[nrford]

View attachment 147832 Looking for an answer as to why this black cherry is rotted out in the center. Cut down a few days ago. And I have Locust and white walnut/butternut that was recently cut down in the same condition. They are somewhat close to wetlands but I would estimate 30 to 40 feetup a steep hill from the wetlands.

Hard telling.....but wetland says a lot, water only speeds decay.

 

[Applesister]

Some trees get heartwood rot and it usually works its way up thru the roots but I never see it in Cherry.
But Carpenter ants love cherry and they can make colonies to the point of completely hollowing a tree. The storm damaged drops are usually carpenter ant weakened trees.
Your tree may have started with ants and then the hollowed areas just decomposed.
Can you see any anthills in the area? Raised mounds with grass growing on them?
I see Shagbark hickory with heartwood rot.

 

[Dix]

I've had trees taken down (oak) that looked like that inside and I've scrounged cherry trees that looked like that.

All the damage was done by carpenter ants. Little buggers move fast when your splitting a round with them still in it

 

[Applesister]

Its hard to say if it starts to rot first and then bugs get it or bugs first...
The silvics manuals published DEC usually lists the the pathogens and pests that attack each tree species. Good woodlot management info.

 

[Applesister]

I can see in the pic the "stuff" that came out of the center looks like wet topsoil. It can be tough if you have a weak stomach. But it dries fine.

 

[Dix]

Really gets a fire going, that kinda eaten firewood.

 

[05ramctd]

I would say the tree got some moisture Carpenter ants love cherry trees and moisture. Little buggers are in most of my cherry trees. cant stand them..
I love when you cut down a big cherry and it looks great , half way in bucking and you see rot and ants everywhere. Ruins your day.

 

[05ramctd]

You can make a cannon out of a longer piece. Nice hole.

 

[lindnova]

Most of the rotten oaks I find were resprouts from cut trees. Some are over 100 years old, but resprouts can be a cause of this as the wood grows too fast at first and the rings are not tight which allows the rot to set in later.

 

[Jeff S]

I have seen plenty of Cherry tree's with a loose or rotten heart.

 

[brant2000]

I've had trees like that before. My mother in-law saw rounds I had sitting like that one time and she stole them to use as flower planters She loves them, and still uses them after several years now. I guess if they make her happy, they're more valuable for this purpose than fuel. I can always cut more trees

 

[BobUrban]

They make a great display when strategically placed on top of a nice fire outdoors. Makes a chimney effect that shoots flames high. I like to save a few for those occasions when people will be over sitting around the fire pit. Wait until after dark and stand one up in the middle of your fire.

 

[billb3]

Looks like heartwood fungus ate it up.
Do (did) all the trees affected look damaged by animals, vehicles or weather at some point in the past ?
Big borer holes the size of your little finger in any others ?

 

[BoiledOver]

Any external signs of a lightning strike?

 

[Applesister]

Heres whats left of a hollow beech tree. I have a few of these too. They look as if they are owl habitat.
I joke with my BIL the "topsoil" is 100 year old composted owl chit.

 

[Paulywalnut]

I've seen all different kinds with rooted centers. Cherry seems to have the most carpenter ants. Everyone has seen those huge old cherry trees still alive with one little branch left and the rest is completely rotted out.