Question
QUESTION: I bought a house recently in Kentucky with a large healthy magnolia in the front yard (NW exposure).  Last week we had a terrible ice storm and I lost several small branches as well as one very large one that left a large "peel" area on the tree.  The roving tree company that gave me a quote on removing the damage wants to put tar on the peel.  Is that a good idea if the peel is quite long?  Thank you so much.


ANSWER: I would just remove any loose bark from around the wound and prune any broken branches and not use any wound dressing.  A tree generally seals itself effectively, and an untreated wound seals better than a painted one.


Research shows that pruning paint can seal in moisture and promote decay. In most cases, you're better off avoiding the use of tree paint or wound dressings.

Tar will kill the cells around the wounds and slow the healing so it is not recommended.

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QUESTION: I told the tree company about your response and the main man there wanted me to be sure you know if it a large and deep peel off the main leader.  Does that make any difference in your recommendation? Thank you.

Answer
No tar never should be used but the pruning paint could. But I think it best to trim the loose bark off the wound and let the tree heal itself. Now if it were a maple or a pine I would say spray an insecticide on the area to prevent borers from entering the wood. But with magnolia it is not necessary.