Question
I am in the Baltimore, MD suburbs. I have a very large old Magnolia tree in my front yard. It is easily 35-40 years old. Yesterday morning it was hit by a car and 2 sections of bark were stripped off. These sections are about 5 inches square. The damage doesnt appear to be very deep. The base of the tree is about 24-30 inches in diameter. I have read that pruning sealers do more harm than good. Is there anything I can/should do? There doesnt appear to be any other damage to the tree.     Thanks, Bob

Answer
All you need to do is cut any loose bark off from around the wound. Do not put any wound dressing on it this will slow the healing process. The wound will heal over in time. watch the area and if you see any saw dust this could mean wood borers have entered the wound. If you see dust or hole into the wood I would spray the area with an insecticide called Merit. There is no need to spray unless you see signs. The borers are not active in the late fall or winter and by the spring the wound will not be as attractive to these insects as a fresh wound would be and more than likely you will have no problem with borers.