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.