First Aid for a Damaged Tree

Discussion in 'HortForum' started by redindiaink, May 31, 2023.

  1. redindiaink

    redindiaink New Member

    Messages:
    1
    Likes Received:
    0
    Location:
    Canada
    The painters trampled a small flowering tree last September breaking off two branches and crushing the main trunk. I didn't realize how damaged it was until this spring when it started making leaves and pretty pink blooms. It looks healthy despite it all. Is there a way I could cast/brace/bandage the damage while the tree heals? Or would it be better off if I amputated the limb and attempt to turn the side limbs into a main trunk?

    I've included pictures of the damage and the blossoms. I think it might be a ornamental cherry, but not entirely sure.

    Any help would be really appreciated.
     

    Attached Files:

  2. Georgia Strait

    Georgia Strait Generous Contributor 10 Years

    Messages:
    2,045
    Likes Received:
    797
    Location:
    South Okanagan & Greater Vancouver, BC Canada
    Hello - do you still have the is label for your tree?
    This info from label would help

    and before you spend hours repairing damage - is it worth the price you paid? I am not being cheeky - just practical

    2. you describe painters stepping on it — so is it planted next to a house or shed or fence? I ask because it might be too close to a structure in its current spot esp as it grows matures (and then terrible sheared pruning happen)

    3. Without knowing the name of your tree - and how it was “created” - stress might risk the grafted root species creating a lot of volunteer sprouts (i don’t know the tech horticulture terminology)

    for example - a neighbor cut down an ornamental cherry (diseased) so now its root graft is spreading 50 feet in all directions and is fierce ! Won’t give up.

    a better photo of where the MAIN TRUNK of your tree is would help

    also look on vcbf forums on this site
     
    Last edited: Jun 2, 2023
  3. Ron B

    Ron B Paragon of Plants 10 Years

    Messages:
    21,396
    Likes Received:
    844
    Location:
    Not here
  4. Georgia Strait

    Georgia Strait Generous Contributor 10 Years

    Messages:
    2,045
    Likes Received:
    797
    Location:
    South Okanagan & Greater Vancouver, BC Canada
  5. woodschmoe

    woodschmoe Active Member 10 Years

    Messages:
    708
    Likes Received:
    9
    Location:
    gulf island, bc, canada
    The broken limb appears to be being kept alive by a thin strip/hinge of cambium opposite the break. It is likely that any attempt to straighten or adjust it will break this strip. The damaged wood is beyond repair—it might compartmentalize the damage and callous over time, but it will remain a weak and disease susceptible point. If there aren’t other obvious shoots that can be trained to be a new leader you might (as a desperate measure) attempt to gently move it back to its original position as much as the viable ‘hinge’ strip allows and splint and tape it in place. Even if this is successful, the injury will remain a concern for the foreseeable future for the above-mentioned reasons.
     
    Last edited: Jun 2, 2023
    Margot likes this.

Share This Page