QuestionI have a large oak tree, probably close to 70 yeasr old that was damaged about 2 yeasr ago when a branch fell and knocked off the bark in about a 1' by 1' space. Now the 1' square has peeled back and has gotten to be about 5 foor long and 2 foot wide with wood rot inside. I see no dead limbs so I assume it is still getting what it needs. Anything I can do to prevent more wood rot and losing the tree? I tired prune sealer but will that work?
AnswerCut the loose bark from the wound and the tree will heal over the wound with time. It is not a good idea to use any wound dressing on the wound this tend to slow the healing process. Many years from now you may see the tree become hollow but this will not effect the health of the tree but can take away from the strength of the trunk. The woody cells are what is being decayed and the living cells just under the bark are fine. As long as the foliage is green and healthy looking the tree is OK.
