Hi I knew there was a reason that I used a hand clipper. I tried the weed eater today and cut slightly into the trunk of my 2 year old magnolia tree. I've heard that this type of a wound can be fatal. It is very thin and pulled back some of the bark. Is there anything I can do to help this wound heal and prevent infestation?
if there is loose bark remove it with a paring knife . do not cut in to the trunk when doing this. there arent any products that will help much, if the wound was a portion of the circumference of a young tree, it will be unlikely to prove fatal.
Don't give up hope yet! Try using some pruning paste on the cut but be sure to dry it off really well to avoid it from rotting. The pruning paste should protect from any bug infestations or severe weather. It would be a shame to lose a magnolia so lets not hope its fatal! -Eric
pruning paste is not recommended. hasnt been for years. "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. " copied from : http://www.treesaregood.com/treecare/pruning_mature.aspx It may help deter the beetle that transmits elm disease and oakwilt. those would be exceptions that would allow or suggest use of wound paint or dressing.
