Question
QUESTION: Good morning, Dr. Vann.  Thank you for be willing to answer my question.  A branch on my young seven foot tall Chinese Pistache tree partially broke. I set the broken branch and wrapped it tightly with natural jute twine. That was a little over a month ago.  A couple of days ago I noticed that the branch was beginning to grow around the twine, but the branch looked perfectly healthy and was sprouting new growth each week.  I thought the branch was mended, so I carefully took the twine off.  Unfortunately, the branch re-broke when a strong wind caught it.  I re-set the broken branch again and re-wrapped it with some new jute twine. Would it hurt the tree if I allowed the branch to grow around the twine, and will the branch eventually repair itself?  I know the tree is growing quickly since it is very young, which is to the tree's advantage.  Please let me know if allowing the branch to grow around the twine will or will not stress the tree or if it is fine to do so.  I appreciate your help.  

Thanks,
Tim

ANSWER: Tim:
Trying to "repair" the break may be more trouble than it is worth.  The affected area may provide entry of microorganisms into the branch, then into the main stem over time. Best to keep the wounded area as small as possible.  Besides, the "mended" area will never be as strong as other branches and may break again during a storm. Consider a nice clean cut to remove the branch.  Be sure your snips are sharp and wipe the blades off with alcohol before you cut. No pruning paint required. Do your pruning on dry days and when no rain is expected for a few days.  This will help "heal" off the cut area. Moisture on plant surfaces can provide a good environment for infections.

Steve

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QUESTION: Steve,

I thought about cutting that branch off, but I was concerned it would permanently mar the overall appearance of the tree.  Included below are a couple of links to the Flickr images of my tree.  (if you place your courser on the photo the branch will be hi-lighted that is broken.)  The branch that broke is the one that is kind of sticking out lower than the other two branches.  Chinese Pistache trees are supposed to mature into a nice, rounded umbrella form.  Do you think this tree will still do that if I cut off this branch?  

Tim

http://www.flickr.com/photos/27657351@N07/5860758930/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/27657351@N07/5860757820/

ANSWER: Tim:
I see what you mean. I am concerned how strong the "connection" will be long term.  There is still a lot of growing that this tree can do, and I expect it will compensate if you remove the branch cleanly, but the call is up to you.  You can try it, then watch for signs of branch death. If it starts, then cut off the branch, removing any dead tissues before there is a likelihood of decay going back into the main stem.

Steve

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QUESTION: Steve,

Thank you.  I appreciate your advice, and I believe you are right.  In the long run, cutting off the branch will probably be best for the tree and will not mar its appearance, since it is still very young.  I guess the main cause of my reluctance to remove the branch is that I paid over $60.00 for this tree at a local nursery, and I really don't want to have to cut a branch off my investment.  I will probably cleanly cut the branch off with sterilized shears as you suggested, but it may take me a few weeks to build up the courage to do so.  :-)

Thanks again,
Tim

Answer
Tim:
Ouch! $60.00 huh.

It is very important to protect the bark of the tree, especially at the base. Consider some mulch, no deeper than 3" and pull it back away from the stem.  Mulch up against the stem can give "critters" a good hiding place. Mulch can help conserve soil moisture and can keep the dreaded "string trimmer or lawnmower blight" from killing your tree.

Enjoy your tree.

Steve