I have a maple tree that has split down trunk but not all the way How can I keep it from breaking apart?

First off, what diameter is the tree ? Is the split in the Y junction ? I would suggest some serious pruning first to reduce the weight of the limbs pulling the tree further apart. If the tree is not too old, you could use some nuts and bolts, preferably brass, but you will have to drill holes in the most likely spots where the nuts and bolts will do the best job. Of course the joining piece can be anything that is useful, length would be an asset.

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The maple is about 16ins across and about 6yrs old. And can I leave the althread in it afterwards .

The maple is about 16ins across and about 6yrs old. And can I leave the althread in it afterwards .

Any hardware you use to repair the tree will have to stay with it for its livetime.

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