How To Care For Tree Wounds

In most cases, these treatments can't do a lot of harm. And they can make a difference in the look of a tree as a specimen in the landscape.

Remove dead and injured bark from around the wound with a sharp knife. Scribe a wound in the shape of a vertical ellipse, if possible. Cut bark away from wound to form an interface of healthy wood and bark although this may enlarge the size of the wound.

Improving Tree's Vigor Helps the Wound

Improving a tree's health obviously helps if the tree trunk is injured. You might start by pruning dead and dying branches to increase tree vigor. Remove dead and fallen branches and trunks from the ground nearby.

Existing dead wood may harbor wood-inhabiting microorganisms that could create new wounds. Thin out and remove less valuable trees nearby to reduce competition for nourishment in favor of the wounded tree. Fertilize and water the tree properly to increase vigor.

Is Wound Dressing Effective?

Here is a good illustration of a before and after look at scribing a conifer without a wound dressing (tree wound paint). Note that the area of trauma is enlarged but it looks good and does not hurt either the health or the looks of the tree. I personally think that dressing a wound can be done for cosmetic effect but has no value as a treatment and may inhibit healing.