Tree Wounds: What You Need to Know
Trees are living organisms that can be injured or damaged, just like people. When a tree is wounded, it triggers a natural healing process. The tree will grow new wood and bark around the wound to form a callus, which is a protective barrier. The tree will also produce chemicals to prevent decay and infection.
What is Wound Dressing?
Wound dressing is a petroleum-based product that is applied to tree wounds to prevent disease and decay. Wound dressings were once thought to be beneficial, but studies have shown that they actually do more harm than good.
Disadvantages of Wound Dressing
- Wound dressings prevent the tree from forming calluses, which is its natural way of healing.
- Wound dressings can trap moisture beneath the dressing, which can lead to decay.
- Wound dressings can attract pests and insects.
When to Apply Wound Dressing
In most cases, wound dressing should not be used on trees. However, there is one exception: if you live in an area where oak wilt is a serious problem, you may want to apply a wound dressing that contains fungicide and insecticide to freshly cut oak trees during the spring and summer.
Good Pruning Practices
The best way to prevent tree wounds is to follow good pruning practices. Here are some tips:
- Make clean cuts flush with the trunk of the tree when removing large branches.
- Straight cuts leave smaller wounds than angled cuts, and smaller wounds are more likely to callus over quickly.
- Cut broken limbs with ragged ends below the point of injury.
- Direct the discharge from lawn mowers away from tree trunks and keep a little distance between string trimmers and trees.
Natural Ways to Treat Tree Wounds
If your tree does sustain a wound, there are a few natural ways to treat it:
- Remove any dead or damaged wood from the wound.
- Clean the wound with water and a mild soap solution.
- Apply a thin layer of compost or mulch around the wound.
- Water the tree deeply and regularly.
Conclusion
Tree wounds are a common occurrence, but they can be prevented and treated. By following good pruning practices and using natural remedies, you can help your trees stay healthy and strong.
