Tree Wounds

[lawnaggie]

i have a friend who has a 3 yr old japanese maple whose branch broke off this winter (35%of the tree roughly) leaving a big wound. Do people still recommend applying wound dressings?

What about bark damage to older trees caused by construction damage?

 

[jimmyq]

mitigation

No, wound dressings are generally not recommended anymore. Depending on the condition of the wound, degree of tearing, exposed stub (if any), and the condition of the trunk area or bark ridge there are not too many things you can do. If there is any chance you can throw a picture up it would help a lot for suggestions. Basically you want to leave a clean cut and leave the branch collar in tact so wound closure can occur.

As for the question on construction damage, if you have an example please describe it, if you don't have an example, don't make one, keep a distance of 2-3 times the drip line marked off as a protection area for the trees that are to be retained.

 

[Heath]

jimmyq has it right in my eye. Trees have a defense against decay called compartmentalization. There is a differentiation between cells involved with branch attachment, and as the branch dies physical and chemical barriers are formed; keeping any decay (which is caused by microorganisms) in the cells of the dying branch.

Make sure the wound is cut back clean. But not past the Branch Bark Ridge (BBR). The BBR is the enlarged ridge of bark on the upper side of the branch union (crotch).

Good luck! You may want to try fertilizing the tree to inspire some new growth. Be selective of which sprouts you allow to grow, keeping form in mind.

 

[lawnaggie]

branch tears

what about when a branch breaks off because of winter damage and drags the bark of the tree for about six inches leaving a six inch flesh wound of bark from the stem?
what would you guys recommend for a hemlock or white pine that snaps in half? if 10 years or younger would you recommend cutting it down?

 

[jimmyq]

If the branch broke off via winter damage it most likely has sealed and begun compartmentalization, hence, wound dressing is pretty useless, regardless of the tearing. If however the wound is very fresh (within hours of initial damage or less in warmer weather) you could try to re-establish the limb by immediately restoring its original position, seal the wounded area with grafting wax and tie the wound and limb firmly with grafting tape or vine tying tape. Remove the tape after about 3 months gently and check the condition of the wound, reapply the support tape if necessary.

As for the Hemlock or White Pine "snapping" in half my opinion would be that the tree has basically been topped by Mother nature, obviously she hasn't been getting her CEU's from ISA with the current information as to the reasons not to top trees. I would evaluate the long term hazard rating for these trees and establish a care method based on the results of observation of the individual circumstance.

for information about topping, try here:
http://www.isa-arbor.com/consumer/topping.html

 

[pokr]

Torn Dogwood Branch

A relatively large branch was recently torn off a Dogwood tree by heavy machinery at the Branch Bark Ridge (crotch). It is a relatively clean break that extends into the limb which it was attached. The trees main trunk divides into three limbs approximately 16 inches above the soil. It is one of these limbs that contained the branch that was torn off.

Should the rest of the supporting limb below the branch tear/break be removed? What should be done to ensure the tree's survival?

 

[jimmyq]

Dogwood

Well, the same story would go, trim to clean the wound but do not remove any live wood that may help seal and compartmentalize. Don't bother with painting or treating the wound. Really would like to see a picture or two for more in depth treatment plan.