Tree trunks can be damaged in several ways. Mowing or weed cutting can sometimes lead to nicking the tree bark, while storms, pests, car accidents, and more can also cause tree trunk damage. Regardless of how a tree experiences damage, it is critical to manage the wounds before they can cause further harm, a decline in health, or death. If your tree trunk has just been damaged, learn your options for treating the wounds and saving your beloved tree. Once a tree trunk is damaged, the tree itself will attempt to protect itself from pathogens and microorganisms, which can invade the surrounding tissue inside the wound and harm the tree even more. Fungal growth, epicormic sprouting, loss of foliage, and pest infestations are all signs of declining tree health, which can be caused by untreated bark damages.

Treating Tree Wounds

When it comes to treating tree wounds, the first priority is time. You must act fast before outside pathogens and microorganisms have a chance to invade the wound and make matters worse. The longer you wait to treat a wound on a tree, the less chance it has of survival. Depending on whether the trunk is wounded or the bark fell off entirely, you have a few options for treatment.

Torn Bark – If the bark of the tree is torn off completely, or ripped in a way that it hangs, you may be able to successfully re-attach the bark. If re-attached properly, the nutrient lines can match up and fuse back together as it heals overtime. Simply realign the bark exactly as it fit before, and secure it in place with standard duct tape. Leave the tape on for at least 2 weeks. If the bark has crumbled off, it cannot be re-attached. In this case, it is important to simply clean the wound.

Wounded Tree – If a tree trunk is scratched or cut, there is no bark to re-attach. Instead, combine a mild dish liquid and clean water to create a safe cleaning solutions. Then apply the mild soapy solutions with a clean cloth or sponge in order to remove whatever pathogens might already exist inside the wound. Allow the wound to air-dry. This step must be done as soon as you are aware of the injury. The faster you treat the wound, the higher the chances are for it to recover. In some cases, there is nothing you can do because a tree is not healthy or strong enough to recover from bark wounds.

If your wounded tree does not heal with a month’s time, you will need to seek professional tree service.

Noblesville Tree Service

Call 317-537-9770 for Noblesville tree service you can trust. We are experienced tree care contractors that offer a wide range of professional tree services for residential and commercial properties. We offer everything from routine tree services to major tree work, and more. And don’t forget about our tree service coupons! Call 317-537-9770 to request a free estimate for tree service in Noblesville, Indiana.