I have a sunset maple that is about 30-35' tall and there is a split in one of the main trunks where it divides like a Y about 2/3 of the way up Both sides seem to be surviving OK but there is a gap between the two branches of about 1/2" or so for about 10" down the main trunk. Where the branch is split the main trunk si about 4-5" in dia.

I was thinking of drilling a 3/16" hole thru the both split sides and running a SS bolt with a couple of ss fender washers thru both of them and pull the two a little closer together and just let the tree grow around the bolt and let stay in there forever. I think it would keep either side from splitting any worse.

Is this OK to do or is it another sandman hairbrained scheme


Well...I put a 1/4" threaded rod thru it with a few large fender washers and drew up it tight...hopefully it will learn to live with this and prevent further splitting down the center. Unfortunately it had been cracked for a few months without me noticing(and was partially healed) but when all the leaves came off I saw it so I could not get it really closed up tight but I think it will eventually grow up and swell up around it.

I believe you are correct in that assumption,
however I would have braced it for a year
on either side to take the weight off the bolt
and to minimize the sway of the branches (halves)

You can also cable it above the split to take the pressure off the bolt.
Use garden hose over the cable where it goes around the tree to prevent chafing.

Should be good to go. Like Dave said you can cable it above the repair for a while. Weak crotch, a common problem.

Duct tape it! I had a fairly good sized burning bush that split at a Y, I wrapped it back together with duct tape and just left it there while the branches rejoined together. It has been at least 10 yes and no resplitting.
Posted from my iPhone/Mobile device

Weak crotch, a common problem.

yes ....met many of the female species with that same problem

Look into grafting techniques and methods to repair tree wounds.
Posted from my iPhone/Mobile device