Repairing Tree Injuries

Prompt action can save the life of your tree.

Injuries that expose wood or kill the bark can let disease and decay organisms enter the tree. You should treat these wounds to protect the tree until they heal.

If a tree in your landscape is injured, your prompt action can save it from becoming unsightly or dangerous, and may save the tree's life.

Injuries that expose wood or kill the bark can let disease and decay organisms enter the tree. You should treat these wounds to protect the tree until they heal.

To treat a wound…

Cut away all damaged bark and removed scraps of bark in the wound. These scraps will usually die anyway, and don't help the healing .

For faster healing, shape the edge of the wound into a elongated ellipse, as much as is possible. If you can't make it into an elongated ellipse, make a point at the top and bottom, even if you have to enlarge the wound.

Remove all splintered wood and smooth the surface of exposed wood. Disinfect the wound with alcohol or shellac and apply the tree wound paint. Large, slowly healing wounds may need additional paint after two or three years.

Inspect occasionally…

You should inspect large wounds occasionally to be sure the paint is not cracking. Breaks in the paint should be repainted. If decay has developed in the wound, it should be cut away and the wound re-treated.

Lightening damage…

If one of your trees is struck by lightning, you won't be able to tell for about a year how badly it was injured. Trees that seem to be badly damaged may live, while others appearing to be only mildly damaged may die. Go ahead and remove all shattered parts and dangerous limbs. On pines, you might help the tree resist pine beetles by spraying it.

Split trunks, crotches, limbs or branches can sometimes be mended by putting the damaged part back in position and holding it there permanently.

To repair split trunks and crotches, smooth the damaged parts, then disinfect the wound with denatured alcohol or shellac. Using bolts inserted in holes drilled straight through the separated parts, bring them together.

Cover the crack with antiseptic paint. Split crotches usually require cables to support the weight of the branches. For serious damage, you should contact a tree surgeon.

Uprooted trees…

Sometime, you can save uprooted trees by promptly restoring them to their position. Be sure not to let the roots dry out. You should hold the tree in place with guy wires, and fertilize and water it. Watch it closely for insect infestations.

For more information on repairing injured trees, contact your local County Extension Office.