Tree Wound Care

[cknmom]

My husband was wondering if there is something we can put in this opening to keep water out and to make sure this part of the tree doesn't break off.

 

[Shades-of-Oregon]

What kind of a tree is it ? how old? In most cases trees heal their own wounds without adding any foreign materials or no additional wound care or treatment . Cut the area ad even as possible a few inches from the main trunk not to expose the cambium layer . Just leave the wound to heal on its own . The tree will grow bark over the exposed cambium layers and seal it from insects and diseases protecting it from weather .

 

[cknmom]

What kind of a tree is it ? how old? In most cases trees heal their own wounds without adding any foreign materials or no additional wound care or treatment . Cut the area ad even as possible a few inches from the main trunk not to expose the cambium layer . Just leave the wound to heal on its own . The tree will grow bark over the exposed cambium layers and seal it from insects and diseases protecting it from weather .

Sorry, I should have mentioned it is a Red Maple. We have been here 10 yrs and it was about 5' tall when we moved in. We cut that branch about 10 yrs. ago.

 

[flowerbug]

the problem with such a branch cut back that long ago is that the wood may have rotted inwards and so even cutting it even with the branch may still leave a weak spot that may later break under stresses.

an arborist could inspect it and trim it so that future issues can be avoided. yes it costs $ but it may not be that bad. check their references and reviews... etc.

 

[Shades-of-Oregon]

Sorry, I should have mentioned it is a Red Maple. We have been here 10 yrs and it was about 5' tall when we moved in. We cut that branch about 10 yrs. ago.

Thank you good info to know when diagnosing trees. The maple tree will heal up in no time no treatment necessary.
It used to be that a product out on the market called ’Wound Care’ a spray can or paint on tar like product would protect the tree from insects and diseases. It was not long after that it was found to actually cause more problems . The natural healing process of the tree bark to cover the wound was actually stopped by the product causing more damage.

I have a small collection of maple trees and they have all endured winter storm damage where the weight from a heavy snow storm actually broke branches off. Trees do a great job growing healing the cambium layer over with new bark and protection from any further damage all on their own and continue its growth cycle for many years to come.

Maples are beautiful trees and add so much to the surrounding area especially shade in summer. The colorful fall leaves are generally a lasting colorful display in fall . Always marks the end of the growing season in my zone.