Tree Trunk
Tree Cavity Care or “What’s that hole in my tree trunk?”
Tree Cavity Care or “What’s that hole in my tree trunk?”
A tree cavity is a hole in a trunk or branch of a tree. A cavity is caused by damage to the bark or woody tissue of the tree. The wound can result from a pruning cut, mechanical injury caused by machinery, storm damage, dead limbs that decay into the trunk, or any injury that damages the tree. When a tree loses the bark it opens up the tree to infection or decay similar to a wound to our skin or damage to the enamel on our teeth.
Trees cannot heal the way people do but rely on compartmentalization to keep the decay from spreading, (Alex Shigo, 1986). Trees use chemical barriers to stop decay by forming a compartment to prevent its movement. This is why cutting boards made of wood have been found to be more effective against eliminating bacteria. A study in California found that families using wooden cutting boards were half as likely to develop salmonella exposure as families using plastic cutting boards. (P.K. Kass, 1992).
Previously, it was believed that cavities should be filled with cement or other fill material. For the past few decades this practice has been discouraged. Filling cavities has been found to offer no benefits to reducing decay or providing structural support for trees with cavities. The only benefit to filling a tree cavity is cosmetic.
One instance where filling a cavity may be advisable is to prevent honey bees from making a nest in a trunk or limb of a tree. The preferred method to filling a cavity is to use expandable foam formed just below the wound or callus roll. The callus roll is the tissue that trees develop to close over the wound. Once the cavity is filled with foam a layer of bondo or automobile body filler should be applied to preserve the foam. Finally a coating of spray paint should be applied to protect the body filler from exposure to the elements. Remember filling cavities is a cosmetic measure at best.
For more information on caring for your trees check out our website at treeprosonoma.com or check the web site of the International Society of Arboriculture or the Tree Care Industry Association. These organizations provide links to Certified Arborists in your area.
About the Author
Ron Wallace
Certified Arborist
TreePro Professional Tree Care
http://treeprosonoma.com
Tree Felling Big Cypress Tree Trunk with Ace Tree Management
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FRUIT TREES – 3 pack APPLE ORCHARD – NATURAL WOOD TRUNKS – SCENERY HO Scale $16.95 |
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APPLE FRUIT TREES – 3 package ORCHARD – NATURAL WOOD TRUNKS – SCENERY HO Scale $19.95 |
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CLERODENDRUM ACULEATUM BONSAI TREE – FAT TRUNK & NICE $278.00 |
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NWT Hanna Andersson Navy Palm Trees Swim Trunks 80 $17.90 |
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BELLEEK TREE TRUNK YELLOW LUSTER VASE 3RD GREEN MARK $52.00 |
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NWT- Boys size 4 or 7 or 7X- Palm Tree Surfboards SWIM TRUNKS- Great Deal! $6.99 |
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NWT- Boys size 4 or 7 or 7X- Palm Tree Surfboards SWIM TRUNKS- Great Deal! $6.99 |
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NWT- Boys size 4 or 7 or 7X- Palm Tree Surfboards SWIM TRUNKS- Great Deal! $6.99 |
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10″h Miniature doll/dollhouse Florida ORANGE Tree/Rock Moss/Real Wood Trunk $14.99 |
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NEW CHINESE YIXING ZISHA TEAPOT TREE TRUNK DRAGON SHAPE $22.00 |
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Gilded Trunk Palm Tree Beach Summer Crystal Rhinestone Fashionable Pin Brooch $2.99 |
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RETRO NECKLACE PENDANT TREE TRUNK STONE CRYSTAL G523 $5.35 |
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Jerry Garcia Collection 7 Silk Tie Tree Trunk Maroon $14.99 |
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Vintage Photo O2824 Man posed by wierd growing tree trunk $5.98 |
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TREE TRUNK SLICE GLASS PENDANT NECKLACE $8.95 |
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100 Model Green Fir Tree Train Set Trunk Garden House Landscape Scene N Z $0.99 |
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Color Photo B0706 Large trees in forest,winding trunk $4.98 |
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New Grand Trunk TREE SLING for the Ultralight Hammock $14.85 |
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Wall Decor Decal Sticker Removable large 78″ tree trunk $29.95 |
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Wall Decor Decal Sticker Removable large 78″ tree trunk $29.95 |
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Wall Decor Decal Sticker Removable large 78″ tree trunk $29.95 |
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Wall Decor Decal Sticker Removable large 78″ tree trunk $29.95 |
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Wall Decor Decal Sticker Removable large 78″ tree trunk $29.95 |
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Wall Decor Decal Sticker Removable large 78″ tree trunk $29.95 |
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Wall Decor Decal Sticker Removable large 78″ tree trunk $29.95 |
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Wall Decor Decal Sticker Removable large 78″ tree trunk $29.95 |
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Wall Decor Decal Sticker Removable large 78″ tree trunk $29.95 |
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Wall Decor Decal Sticker Removable large 78″ tree trunk $29.95 |
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Wall Decor Decal Sticker Removable large 78″ tree trunk $29.95 |
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Wall Decor Decal Sticker Removable large 78″ tree trunk $29.95 |
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Wall Decor Decal Sticker Removable large 78″ tree trunk $29.95 |
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Wall Decor Decal Sticker Removable large 78″ tree trunk $29.95 |
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Wall Decor Decal Sticker Removable large 78″ tree trunk $29.95 |
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Wall Decor Decal Sticker Removable large 78″ tree trunk $29.95 |
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Wall Decor Decal Sticker Removable large 78″ tree trunk $29.95 |
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Wall Decor Decal Sticker Removable large 78″ tree trunk $29.95 |
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Wall Decor Decal Sticker Removable large 78″ tree trunk $29.95 |
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Wall Decor Decal Sticker Removable large 78″ tree trunk $29.95 |
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Wall Decor Decal Sticker Removable large 78″ tree trunk $29.95 |
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Wall Decor Decal Sticker Removable large 78″ tree trunk $29.95 |
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Wall Decor Decal Sticker Removable large 84″ tree trunk $31.95 |
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Wall Decor Decal Sticker Removable large 84″ tree trunk $31.95 |
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Wall Decor Decal Sticker Removable large 84″ tree trunk $31.95 |
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Wall Decor Decal Sticker Removable large 84″ tree trunk $31.95 |
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Wall Decor Decal Sticker Removable large 84″ tree trunk $31.95 |
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Wall Decor Decal Sticker Removable large 84″ tree trunk $31.95 |
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Wall Decor Decal Sticker Removable large 84″ tree trunk $31.95 |
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Wall Decor Decal Sticker Removable large 84″ tree trunk $31.95 |
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Wall Decor Decal Sticker Removable large 84″ tree trunk $31.95 |
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Wall Decor Decal Sticker Removable large 84″ tree trunk $31.95 |
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Wall Decor Decal Sticker Removable large 84″ tree trunk $31.95 |
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Wall Decor Decal Sticker Removable large 84″ tree trunk $31.95 |
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Wall Decor Decal Sticker Removable large 84″ tree trunk $31.95 |
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Wall Decor Decal Sticker Removable large 84″ tree trunk $31.95 |
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Wall Decor Decal Sticker Removable large 84″ tree trunk $31.95 |
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Wall Decor Decal Sticker Removable large 84″ tree trunk $31.95 |
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Wall Decor Decal Sticker Removable large 84″ tree trunk $31.95 |
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Wall Decor Decal Sticker Removable large 84″ tree trunk $31.95 |
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Wall Decor Decal Sticker Removable large 84″ tree trunk $31.95 |
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Wall Decor Decal Sticker Removable large 84″ tree trunk $31.95 |
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Wall Decor Decal Sticker Removable large 84″ tree trunk $31.95 |
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Wall Decor Decal Sticker Removable large 84″ tree trunk $31.95 |
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100 Model Green Fir Tree Train Set Plastic Trunk Garden House Landscape N Z $0.99 |
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Bookends Aventurine Bonsai Tree,Gold Plated Trunk $175.00 |
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McDonalds toy 2009 for children under 3 Tree with trunk hiding place – SEALED $14.99 |
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10’ ft Tree Trunk Protector Saver Recovery Winch Strap Tool Tow Rope Anchor $22.95 |
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Flowering Cherry Tree–Snow Goose 4 ft. tall with heavy trunk $18.50 $18.50 |
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30’ ft Tree Trunk Protector Saver Recovery Winch Strap Tool Tow Rope Anchor $34.95 |
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Pair of Large Colonial Children Boy and Girl Sitting on Tree Trunks Figurines $74.99 |
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Vintage Photo O2660 Dog by broken tree trunk $5.98 |
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Large Trunk Banyan Ficus Bonsai Tree in Unique pot $65.00 |
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Must See! Twisty Trunk Shohin Bald Cypress Bonsai Tree. $74.99 |
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Vintage Photo O2686 View of palm trees trunks under water $5.98 |
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Palm Trees “Medjool Date Palms” 4-7ft trunks $1,625.00 |
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vintage style brass tone quartz beads necklace pendant trunk branch tree 1410 $5.39 |
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handmade necklace pendant big tree leaf leaves trunk branch jewelry new G936 $13.99 |
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Tiffany Style Stained Glass Lamp “Fur Elise” w/ Tree Trunk Metal Base $99.99 |
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Japanese black pine air-layer(2arl326)Nice short,nice trunk size, shohin tree! $84.00 |
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8 Tree Pine Christmas Ever Green U PICK COLORS Tree Trunk $1.00 |
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WARN TREE TRUNK PROTECTOR 10,000KG 3M $53.74 |
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WARN TREE TRUNK PROTECTOR 8,000KG 3M $43.97 |
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Willow Leaf Ficus Bonsai Tree -Coiled Trunk – Indoor -8 years old, 13″-16″ tall $54.95 |
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Lot of Brown Lego Parts Wagon Wheel Tree Trunk Arches Bricks Plates Bars Barrel $4.99 |
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SIKU Forestry Trailer 1:50 Scale includ tree trunks NEW $28.29 |
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2 Vintage Tree Trunk Slab Carved Nut Bowls with Crackers $21.99 |
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Woodland Surprises Hand-Painted Fine Porcelain- SQUIRREL in Tree Trunk Figurine $12.99 |
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Metal Christmas Tree Stand (95-4464)-Tree Trunks up to 4.5″-Trees up to 7′ $19.50 |
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30″ HOLOGRAPHIC ROPE LIGHTED PALM TREE W/ BROWN TRUNK $44.99 |
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High Quality 5 Trunk Braided Pachira Aquita Money Tree Bonsai Plant $11.99 |
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** NEW 6′ Frosted Down Swept Tree 615 Tips Wood Trunk * $99.99 |
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1978 Photo lumberjack with tree trunks $13.88 |
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1950’s Belleek Tree Trunk Vase $19.99 |
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Collectible Wooden Figure – Cardinal – Black and Red – Tree Trunk Slice Base $29.99 |
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B & W Photo N10328 Girls by Palm Tree Trunk $5.98 |
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Fish Tank Hard Tree Trunk Green Plastic Flowering Plant $13.65 |
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Fish Tank Bent Tree Trunk Fuchsia Green Plastic Plant $10.74 |
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BOYS SWIM WEAR SHORTS TRUNKS BLACK PALM TREES ELASTIC WAIST BEACH POOL @@! $4.50 |
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Mouse Hiding by Tree Trunk Ceramic? Toothpick Holder $9.59 |
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Antique Black Forest Bear Pipe Holder Pipe/Match Holder Tree Trunk Brienz $242.00 |
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Northwood signed 10″ Blue Opalescent Tree Trunk Vase $95.00 |
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16 Chinese Chopping Block $39.95 The Chinese version of the cutting board, these raw chopping blocks are better than their Western counterpart, for not only are they anti-bacterial (as studies have proven), but the soft wood also does not dull knife blades like harder woods and plastics. A “very thick cut/slice” of pine wood from the California gold country (Auburn/Placerville area). Approx.3″ or more thick. Not treated, raw. St… |
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Bark Cheese Board 362730 Size: Extra Small Features: -Cheese board. Options: -Available in extra small or small size. Dimensions: -Extra small cheese board dimensions: 0.79” H x 10.63” W x 7.87” D.-Small cheese board dimensions: 0.79” H x 17.72” W x 11.81” D…. |
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La Tienda Rustic Olive Wood Cutting Board from Spain (About 17 in x 12 inches – size varies widely) $38.00 We are delighted to offer these beautiful solid olive wood cutting boards. Cut directly from an aged olive wood tree trunk, each board is bordered with the natural bark of the tree. Each one is a unique piece, and varies in shape and size. Olive trees grow slowly in the sun drenched countryside of Spain. The extremely dense olive wood is particularly beautiful – the intricate patterns of the wood… |
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Other Voices & Full Circle + 3 Bonus-Tracks (DIGI-PACK) $32.30 LP 1971 + 1972 / CD 2010 / DIGI-PACK / Two LP´s on One CD / 17 Musictracks + 3 Bonus-Tracks / CD produced 2010 by RAZOR RECORDS / GRIFFIN MUSIC / HOWLING WOLF RECORDS ( 810005-1 ) re-issue… |
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Wizards & Warriors – Tree Trunk $0.99 … |
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Premium Tracks: 01 Young Cherry Trees / Trunk Federation [3:14] 02 Golden Mile / Chug [3:04] 03 Plushboy / Blithe [1:28] 04 Decorate The Spine / Knapsack [2:55] 05 Density / Archers Of Loaf [2:01] 06 Another Night On This Earth / Paul K & The Weathermen [1:50] 07 Don’t Respond, She Can Tell / The Loud Family [4:02] 08 Guerilla Skies / Throneberry [3:22] 09 Killjoy / Matt Keating… |
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Treegator Original 20-Gallon Slow Release Watering Bag for Trees $16.95 Treegator® Portable Drip Irrigation System – You’ve seen these in professional landscapes around your neighborhood, now you can care for your trees as the pro’s do! Reduce plant shock; perfect for soaking trees before digging; adjustable water flow rates;… |
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Suncast Patio Storage Box, 103 Gallon $84.00 “Size*: 56 1/2″ W x 21″ D x 24″ HInternal Size*: 103 gallonsColor: Light taupe with bronze accentsExtra large size for cushions and accessoriesBuilt-in handlesRollers for easy movementFive minute, tool-free assembly”… |
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Green Light 40004 Cut Vine & Stump Killer – 8 oz $6.42 Concentrate stump, sprig, and cut vine treatment. Kills the stump and prevents re-sprouting. Convenient applicator for pin-point accuracy. No mixing required, just apply the undiluted product to the freshly cut surface. Treats up to 250, 1” cut stumps. Contains: 8.8% Triclopyr…. |
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Prisoners / Tree Trunks $1.99 … |