12/24/2025
People often think hollow trees are bad primarily due to safety concerns and a misconception that hollowing equals imminent collapse, which can lead to fears of property damage or injury.
Despite the common negative perceptions, hollow trees are vital, vibrant ecosystems and an essential part of biodiversity.
The general public often does not realize that the living part of a tree is the thin layer of wood and bark just beneath the surface (the cambium and sapwood). The central heartwood is already dead and serves mainly for stiffness, so its decay does not necessarily affect the tree's vitality. A tree can be mostly hollow and still be alive and structurally sound if the outer shell is thick enough.
