Question
Silver Hybrid Maple
Just this Winter we had a bad Ice storm that split one of our maples. The tree seems to be healthy and I am wondering by the looks of the tree in the picture can I spray some kind of sealant in hopes of saving this tree? Please advise what kind of sealant would work the best and in your opinion do you think my tree will make it.
AnswerIn the past, part of the standard recommendation has been to apply a generous coating of an approved tree wound dressing to all fresh cuts. It was believed this would prevent decay -causing infection. Research has also proven that all of the wound dressings currently available do nothing to prevent decay, and some serve as a food source for microorganisms.There are experimental materials being tested that might help prevent infection, but they are not on the market at this time. A light coating of a wound dressing might be used for cosmetic purposes.
On larger wound like these I would use a latex paint and lightly coat the exposed wood. It mostly will hide the wound but will add some fungi protection. IF you can do not paint the edges of the wound near the bark. This is where the new cells will be growing and the paint will slow the growth and in turn slow the wound healing. Only need to do this once and I would use a color that will blend with the color of the bark.
