Hollowed out azalea trunk

[digger714]

Hello everyone. I have a new azalea im going to let grow out for a couple years. Maybe cutting back a few branches next year, but the main trunk is hollow and im pretty sure it holds water. I drilled a small hole in the back of the trunk near the bottom to let some water get out. Should it be "filled" up somehow, or is this ok. Not sure what you can see from the pics. Thanks for any suggestions.

 

[Dav4]

I've only been working with azaleas for a short time, but from what I've heard, once the trunk has begun to rot, you can't really stop it. Allowing the collected water to drain will help a bit, but filling the trunk will likely only accelerate the decay. It's best to focus on the overall health of the tree...healthy trees should have no issues with a hollow trunk. As far as the hollow itself, you always have the option of enhancing it and making it a part of the overall design. By the way, that is a nice trunk and base...good luck,

Dave

 

[gottrees]

I have used minwax wood hardener on my bougainvillea (which are notorious for the dead wood rotting) with great success. I have not lost any deadwood since applying it last year.
Thats a great looking base and trunk,

Ted

 

[John Ruger]

do you think minwax is safe on most species?

 

[jk_lewis]

do you think minwax is safe on most species?

Yes. It works on dead wood. But keep it off any exposed, live cambium.