Oak Tree Damage

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GAZach

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Mar 30, 2019
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Georgia, United States
Hello!

Today I ran my tractor (it didn’t brake) straight into an oak tree at my house. It broke the bark off and slightly damaged the inside tissue. I read online to make smooth lines (oval preferably). It was wide damage, so I didn’t make an oval, but I chiseled a smooth edge to promote sealing (see attached). It’s about 25 years old and we grew it from a potted tree.

Is there anything else I should do? Will this impact the tree’s life, possible disease, anything else? How long will it take to seal?

Thank you. Pictures are attached.
 

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Look around at the trees along the road and the damage that's been done to them. Most are still around after car accidents and nobody took care of the damage I'm sure. Keep the wound dry and free of bugs as best you can. I had a nursery tree that came to me with a long scratch down the truck, apparently is slid off the truck and damaged the bark much like your damage, length wise as opposed to a chunk. Today, all healed and just a "scar" from the damage, a slight line. Too about 5 years but the tree is healthy to this day, planted in 2000.
 
The tree will live. Concern will be decay which there isn't anything you can do about. It takes a long time for a wound that size to close over. Keep an eye on it long term meaning 10/20/30 years down the road.
 
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