How can I protect a tree that has lost a lg section of bark?

Question

I don't want to paint it black because it is such a large area. It was hit by a car that wrecked in front of my house. It is a 70+yr old Holly tree. I tried the wax emulsion which worked until it got cold. Then it cracked and mold started growing so I removed the loose wax.

Has anyone seen tree paint in any other color than black?

Answer 1

What a bummer. A Holly tree takes forever to grow. Paint does no good, but may cause harm. Try to protect from further damage and give it time to see if it heals itself.

Answer 2

I don't think there is much that you can do, except to try to make sure the tree is properly fed and watered. Whether it survives will depend on the degree it can live off the remaining bark. You could try tar instead of wax but you will have the same problem with mold and bugs making their homes inside the joint between the trunk and the wax/tar. All I would do is to either paint the exposed area with ordinary exterior grade paint (which will soak into the exposed wood) or coat it once or twice a year with boiled linseed oil to keep the exposed wood from drying out.

Answer 3

bmwest gave a good website to check out.
Only time will tell whether the tree can manage the damage done to it. I would check with your local Cooperative Extension Service, and take their advice. Someone there should be familiar with the species of tree and the best treatment [if any]. Hope the Tree carries on!

[Many people don't realize how important it is NoT to damage the bark of a tree. They use weedeaters right up against the trunks, and let their lawnmowers scrape the tree's trunk. And then they wonder why the tree isn't doing too well.]

Answer 4

As outlined in the NC state publication (link provided) - you should primarily focus on cutting the edges around the lost section of bark. Essentially, what you are trying to do is to round the bark around the injury.This will facilitate movement of moisture and nutrients around the damage area.
Hope this helps - pictures are on the website.