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Tree wounds revisited
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Posted by hortster 6 (My Page) on Mon, Dec 22, 08 at 13:48
Dr. Alex Shigo thoroughly researched tree wounds and "compartmentalization" as a tree's defense against infections. He adamantly stated that no surface treatment should be given to tree wounds, and that proper pruning cuts and implement sterilization were the best we could do when pruning is necessary. The main problem with paints and tars is that they prevent water and oxygen flow in and out of the exposed inner wood, trapping moisture and promoting infection. These products could also retard re-growth of new wood.
Envision a branch wound that has taken years attempting to seal itself. Now there is a large bulge of re-growth tissue with a hole in the middle where fungal rot is causing deepening decay. This slowly closing hole continues to allow moisture to enter and stay within the compartmentalized area, likely promoting more decay.
Has anyone out there done research on a biodegradable, organic, non-growth retarding tree wound treatment that could perhaps offer enough temporary protection to allow the wound to get a good start to recovery? Something that would shed some of the outside moisture but would at the same time allow some oxygen and moisture exchange to the wound? Something like a light coat of pure linseed oil?
It seems to me that this idea could at least be effective on smaller wounds that normally would take 3-5 years to seal or wounds to softer wooded species. If the linseed oil offered a season or two of declining protection the new growth would have a better surface on which to re-grow. Would this growth not cover a more solid surface sooner and more healthily than over a rotting, cracking and collapsing one?
I would love to hear thoughts, pro or con about this query. And yes, I do admire Shigo’s intense works.
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Follow-Up Postings:
RE: Tree wounds revisited
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| Trees are pretty resilient! They've been growing, surviving damage, and healing themselves for a long time before we ever entered the equation. One thing that we can learn from Mother Nature is that she doesn't pamper or nurture nature’s boo-boos. Make the healthiest cut and let the tree heal on its own seems to be the best cure. |
RE: Tree wounds revisited
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| More than 80% of stress on trees a caused by man by way of over watering, under watering, improper pruning and so on. If pruning is done right they don't our help to heal |
RE: Tree wounds revisited
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| Never prune a branch flush with the 'mother' stem. The healing process begins at the knuckle of the pruned stem. The knuckle is the swollen portion of the stem where one stem attaches to the 'mother' stem. |
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