He told Jem and Scout that he covered the hole because the tree was 'dying,' but he really just didn't want Arthur Radley having contact with the outside world.
Nathan Radley puts cement in the knot hole to stop Boo Radley from leaving gifts for Jem and Scout. He believes that Boo's interactions with the children are inappropriate and wants to cut off their communication.
Jem is upset and saddened by Nathan Radley's action of cementing over the knot hole in the tree as it was a special, secret spot where they used to find small treasures. He feels a sense of loss and violation of their childhood memories.
Because a tree knot hole normally is the diseased part. Most trees would be able to fight the disease, and the knot hole would be a helpless lump, but in some cases, filling the hole with cement can stop the disease from traveling. If you are talking about To Kill A Mockingbird, Mr. Nathan did it to stop Boo from communicating with the outside world
Mr. Radley cements the knot hole shut.
As the tree grows, the knot hole can become covered up by new growth or get pushed out over time. The wood around the knot hole may also continue to grow and expand, filling in the space where the knot hole used to be.
He said the tree was old and it was dying and that people fill trees with cement when they're sick.
A hole in a tree, sometimes animals live in them
Nathan Radley tells Jem and Scout that he filled the knot-hole with cement because the tree was dying and he didn't want it to fall on someone. However, it is later revealed that he filled it to prevent gifts being left for the children by Boo Radley.
Nathan Radley claims he is filling the knot hole in the tree with cement to protect the children from any future presents being left for them. However, his true motive may be to prevent Boo Radley from communicating with Scout and Jem.
The cemented hole in the tree represents Boo Radley's isolation from society. Nathan Radley fills the hole with cement to prevent Boo from communicating with Jem and Scout. Jem is heartbroken because he realizes the cruelty of this action.
The cast of Through a Knot Hole - 1915 includes: Billie Ritchie
Through a Knot Hole - 1915 was released on: USA: 10 January 1915