Hi all, I'm after a bit of advice.. I recently bought an Acer Palmatum Osakazuki. When I got it home I snipped off a small, new, branch growing from the main stem as it appeared it would cross and rub once it got larger. Now, I have just noticed that the wound has bled a white milky substance (we are about 2 weeks on from pruning). Do I need to dress the wound, or apply any kind of fungicide? Or will the tree heal over this, small, wound itself? Many thanks, great to read all yor posts and thanks in advance to anyone who can help!! Oh, here in the UK we are just entering spring and have had a run of 4 or 5 wet days. Adrian
Personally i would leave it alone, it should heal up.......if it takes a turn for the worse, post up with a picture.
agreed. i think ISA is discouraging the use of wound dressings. i don't think it hurts anything, but I think they have shown that is doesn't do anything either.
Hi Adrian, Early spring as the tree is leafing out is the worse time to prune for this very reason. The tree is sending moisture and nutrients up from the roots to the leaves and branches and vice versa. That, coupled with all the rain you've had is why you're seeing so much sap at the wound. While pruning at the time you did isn't necessarily going to hurt the tree the best time to have done corrective pruning is *before* the tree began leafing out or after it has hardened off in summer. You could try some wound sealant, but it's been my experience that sealing a wound only creates problems in that the wound doesn't seal and dry properly, then you may see mold develop at the wound. Normally when a tree loses a branch there are compounds that seal the wound and stop the flow of sap. However, I think with the amount of sap flowing it can't do this. You could try and reduce the amount of water your tree receives. This will help reduce the flow of moisture through the branches. Be careful not to reduce it too much as your tree may suffer under-watering stress. Don't water the tree and watch the wound carefully over the next few days. When the flow of sap as slowed or stopped you can continue the normal watering schedule. Layne
Pruning seals or paints are not recommended except in instances where the open wound may be an invitation to insect or disease transmission such as dutch elm disease. "Wound Dressings Wound dressings were once thought to accelerate wound closure, protect against insects and diseases, and reduce decay. However, research has shown that dressings do not reduce decay or speed closure and rarely prevent insect or disease infestations. Most experts recommend that wound dressings not be used. If a dressing must be used for cosmetic purposes, then only a thin coating of a nontoxic material should be applied. " quoted from http://www.treesaregood.com/treecare/pruning_mature.aspx
Thankyou all so much for taking the time to reply to my query. It really has been a great help to have your advice at hand so quickly. I will do as you all suggest and keep a close eye, whilst pegging back the watering, and if I have any ongoing problems I will come back for more help! Very best wishes, Adrian
