I need to know if there is anything I can put on them to save from bugs eating at the bare wood. Should we trim the limbs to make them even before applying anything? I've heard of applying tar to the scars to prevent insects entering. This information will be useful to many people in Missouri, Oklahoma and Kansas.
2007-01-31 17:31:30 · 6 answers · asked by kriend 7 in Home & Garden ➔ Garden & Landscape
IN MOST CASES, THE PREFERED PLACE TO MAKE A PRUNING CUT IS BACK TO THE PARENT BRANCH OR TRUNK, JUST TO THE OUTSIDE OF THE BRANCH COLLAR OR SHOULDER. DO NOT MAKE ANY FLUSH CUTS. INSIDE THE BRANCH COLLAR THERE IS ENERGY STORED THIS AREA IS CALLED THE BRANCH PROTECTION ZONE THAT ALLOWS FOR COMPARTMENTALIZATION OF THE WOUND.. RESEARCH HAS NOT SHOWN WOUND DRESSINGS TO ACCELERATE WOUND CLOSURE AND TO REDUCE DECAY. SOME STUDIES HAVE SHOWN BENEFICIAL EFFECTS IN SPECIFIC CASES IN REDUCING BORER ATTACK, OAK WILT INFECTION, OR CONTROL OF SPROUT PRODUCTION OR MISTLETOE. WOUND DRESSINGS ARE USED PRIMARILY FOR COSMETIC PURPOSES.
2007-02-01 12:37:55 · answer #1 · answered by RONALD D S 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You don't want to cut it flush with the trunk but you do want to cut it so it's not ragged. When you cut it you want to leave about 1-2 inches of branch--2 inches for bigger trees. If you cut it flush a tree has a harder time healing.
If it's a big wound it is not a bad idea to use a tar-like substance like Tree-Kote. It will protect the wound from disease spores and insects. But keep an eye on it. After several months if you notice the Tree-Kote cracking it's a good idea to cover the cracks with more TreeKote so buds and spores cannot get in the cracks and to the good wood.
2007-02-01 00:44:18 · answer #2 · answered by lightening rod 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Just cut off the limbs flush wih the tree so there is a nice solid cut of wood.
If you cut the limb flush and the wood is rotten, or its hollow in the center then you got a bigger problem on your hands because now you need to put in the hole to prevent insects and ants from making it worse!
2007-01-31 18:23:46 · answer #3 · answered by metrodish 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A good clean cut, not cutting into the trunk bark, and at an angle where water wont sit in it is best. Tar will seal in as much as it keeps out...and it only heals a matter of days/weeks in the years it will take to grow over with new bark. The tree has it's own system, and if its healthy, there is usually no worries if the cutr is not left ragged.
2007-02-08 07:25:02 · answer #4 · answered by apollosfyre@sbcglobal.net 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You can listen to certified tree experts all day long but the tree is damaged and will most likely not be phased by the storm other than the damage it has already received.For apperance you could cut back the broken branch to suit your taste
2007-02-03 18:01:30 · answer #5 · answered by Billy T 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I would call your county extension service. They will have to most local information for your area.
When we were hit by an ice storm 5 years ago, we just trimmed up the limbs so they weren't jagged and our trees were okay. No sealer was used.
(KC area).
2007-02-01 01:48:50 · answer #6 · answered by sncmom2000 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋