My eucalyptus was pruned, by a professional service, several years ago. I recently noticed that there are cracks in the dead wood in the center of the collar where the branch was removed. I know I am not to put paint or tar on the cracks, but the wound is old and the collar is not sealing the cracks. What should I do to prevent insect invasion? Thanks, Mandolina Moon Southern CA
Probably the main thing is fungi invading wounds and forming cavities in the wood, rather than insects. But your kind of tree in your climate isn't necessarily liable to have any extra difficulty. Not likely that there is anything be done except wait for the bare spot to disappear beneath a callus.
Ron- Thanks for the reply. The branch was removed several years ago and the callus does not seem to be moving in to cover the cracks. Would it hurt to put some putty in the cracks to keep out water and to prevent further splitting? - Mandolina Moon North Hollywood, CA USA
Hard to know for sure without seeing a photo. But I'm guessing that this is wood in the middle area of the "face" of the cut that is drying, shrinking and showing cracks. If that's the case, it's inconsequential.
