The entire top of a black walnut tree at the back of the church property broke off about 20' up; looks like a windstorm got it (but I don't remember any strong winds recently.) I can either cut the top off clean where it broke and let the tree try to grow back, or I can cut the tree down. To safely fell the tree, I probably need to trim the broken part off first anyway.
I assume the tree will send up a plethora of watersprouts if I leave just a trunk there. Will a it grow back into a respectable tree from that if I thin the watersprouts to the 3 or 4 biggest ones? Would they also need spreaders or ropes to grow them more laterally instead of straight up?
Or is the tree doomed and I should just cut it now and plant something else?
-Bob