Question
Since Gill (shrubs) and Jim (trees) are on vacation and I need some advice now, I wondered whether you could help me please?

Gill gave me advice about rogue branches on my Harry Lauder's Walking stick tree. There are three which should be removed, and  one of them was sticking straight out and was beginning to annoy me by spoiling its winter interest. So now that it is winter when the tree has lost all its leaves and I thought it was dormant, I decided to cut this one off. Immediately after cutting it off it started to ooze sap at quite an alarming rate. I bandaged it up with tape in the hope of stopping the "bleeding".

Have I done the right thing? How long will it take to stop losing sap and when do you think I should take the bandage off?  I certainly don't want to lose this little tree. Thank you in advance for any advice you can give and Happy Christmas.

Answer
Patty:

If this plant is well established in your landscape, there shouldn't be a problem.  Best to remove bandage, these things may provide a safe harbor for insects and will not speed healing. Just let the area heal over naturally.  This is one of the best times of the year to see the "twisted branches".  Always be sure that it doesn't dry out during the winter.  I believe it is hardy to Zone 3.  If you just feel better putting something over the cut end- you might try melted candle wax.  The pruning paints apparantly are of very limited usefulness too.

Hope you indeed have a great holiday season.  I already feel as if I have put on a few extra pounds just being off from work and sampling too much fudge!!

Regards

Steve