Q.Damaged Tree trunk
The trunk of the tree was damaged by the edge trimmer. There is a gash on the side approximately 2″ in width and 3 1/2″ in length. This awhile ago and so the tree was about to sprout but this stopped that. What should I put on this wound? It’s a young tree only in it’s 2nd year. Can I paint the wound? or wrap in some type of cloth? The tree appears to be green below this wound.
thanks,
Don't wrap it, but you can apply CutGuard wound dressing (which isn't critical but may help) :
Note: don't use household paint or petroleum based tree wound dressings.
10 oz is way more than enough:
http://www.treestuff.com/store/catalog.asp?item=1665
16 oz if you want to have some on hand for the wayward weed whacker:
https://www.sherrilltree.com/quest-cut-guard-tree-wound-dressing-16oz
You don't show a photo or say how big the tree is in stem diameter, or what kind of tree it is, only how big the wound is. So we can't give any more detail on prognosis.
What happens with a wound like this, depending on how deep, is that it can cut off the uptake of water and nutrients in the damaged portion of the tree trunk. The amount of damage and loss of uptake is relevant to the percentage of the circumference damaged. The more of the circumference involved, the more serious the consequences. If you are seeing the green growing layer under the damaged bark then I would guess the wound is not too deep and the tree will close the wound and recover.
Besides painting the wound with CutGuard, you should keep the tree as healthy as possible to facilitate wound closure and recovery. That involves appropriate watering and fertilizing.
It's a lesson learned, keep the area near the tree trunks clear of grass and weeds by digging or pulling. Keep the string trimmer away from the tree trunks with clear directions to the operator to not get so close.
Hope that helps, Don
