Trees develop wounds for various reasons, including the often-necessary process of pruning. Since wounds and cuts create openings in the wood for insects and diseases to enter, it often feels helpful to apply a tree wound sealant or dressing. But is sealing tree cuts necessary?
As a top-notch tree service in Lakewood, Ohio, the crew at Petrarca Landcare, Inc. discusses the relevance and effects of sealing tree wounds.
Wound Sealing for Trees
People often apply tree wound sealants to the cut section of a recently pruned tree or shrub. While sealing tree wounds may seem helpful, it slows down the healing process by interfering with the tree’s natural healing ability. As such, you should generally avoid using sealers.
The main exception is when you have to prune trees like elms and oaks in the growing season because the exposed cuts make them susceptible to wilts such as oak wilt and Dutch elm disease.
An old or unhealthy tree may also benefit from sealing if a branch breaks off or if you have to prune it. In such cases, sealing tree cuts helps prevent the spread of vascular wilts by beetles and also allows the wounds to seal properly.
How Trees Heal Their Wounds
Trees heal their wounds by isolating the damage through a process called compartmentalization. How does it work? After pruning a tree, it grows callus tissue that moves from the edges of the wound slowly toward the center of the exposed area.
If you make the cuts carefully and correctly, the new wood slowly expands to cover the entire wound. This natural healing process makes sealing tree wounds unnecessary.
Besides hindering the natural healing process, sealants trap moisture and can provide the ideal conditions for fungal growth. In most scenarios, you should allow the trees to heal themselves.
What Are Sealants Made of?
If you feel the need to seal a tree wound, look for organic products with ingredients like aloe gel or collagen. Other sealants typically contain asphalt, latex, or petroleum as their main ingredient. While these products may prove effective, they have no nutritional value for the tree.
The Bottom Line
Sealing an otherwise healthy tree with the intention of protecting tree wounds actually does more harm than good. As long as your using the correct pruning or trimming technique, your trees can survive without intervention.
If your tree incurs extensive damage or you don’t know what to do, seek advice from a certified arborist. They can provide more information on healing tree wounds and tips on caring for tree injuries.
Trust Your Local Tree Care Experts
When you need expert tree care services, count on Petrarca Landcare, Inc. We offer competitive pricing for our extensive range of tree services, which include:
- 24-hour emergency tree services
- Tree trimming and pruning
- Tree removal and stump grinding
- Tree cabling
Call Petrarca Landcare Inc. at (330) 933-0562 to request a free estimate for tree services in Massillon or nearby areas throughout Northeast Ohio. Reach out for more information about sealing tree wounds or to learn how to save a tree with damaged bark.