Quote:
Originally Posted by ramp45  I am looking for a solution other than black paint for lost bark on my 70+yr old Holly tree. It was hit by a car that wrecked in front of my house. There is an area about 4 ft X 18 in of damage.
I tried the wax emulsion which worked until it got cold. I removed the loose wax because of the mold growing under it. I would like to find a more permanent solution that will look OK too.
I had a tree service and arborist look at it but they didn't really help. The tree guy told me about the wax emulsion but didn't know how it was made. (Thank God for the Internet!) The arborist was only wanting to put a price on the lose of the tree. I want to save it, not get paid for it.
Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks from Northwest Louisiana.  |
I can understand your concern regarding the aesthetic appearance of the large wound on your tree.
Applying paint, wax or any type of solution to a tree wound is not advisable as it interferes with the trees natural defence mechanisms.
Although in this case it sounds defeatest to just leave this large wound unattended.
There are some fungicidal wound treatments on the market but they are not going to help with the appearance of the wound.
My solution would be to leave the wound untreated and plant a climbing plant at the base of the stem so as to act as a natural screen for the wound.
Clematis, Wisteria or possibly an evergreen such as a Variegated Ivy.
It is important to monitor the wound every year to see if the wound is sealing over at the sides. This is an indication that the tree is attempting to wall off the wound area. From the size of the wound it is very unlikely that it will every seal over. If the wound area becomes rotten and pithy you may need to call an Certified Arborist to inspect the condition of the tree. it may become a Hazard.
Check for dieback of foliage in the crown for signs of possible fungi infection.
In the meantime plant a new young holly next to the injured tree. Just in case!