I wonder if this poorly healed graft is going to get better. I don't mind keeping this Japanese Maple as long as it's going to stay alive albeit looking unsightly.
My opinion - it is going to be fine. In 20 years you are not even going to be able to see the graft union.
Can anybody give me any advice with my Mikawa? My guess is that the trunk is expanding and there was a weak spot in the bark near the graft union. Should I buy that graft/pruning goop to spread over this area? If so what brand or Amazon link to product should I buy? thank you!
@Connor Sullivan "Can anybody give me any advice with my Mikawa? My guess is that the trunk is expanding and there was a weak spot in the bark near the graft union." The graft union itself looks good. The peeling bark on the root stock would not be of concern to me if it is not affecting the growth at all. In all of our nursery years and currently now, we have never used any type of sealer for lower bark peeling issues ( or any other part of the tree for that matter). We have several very old and healthy cultivators with scaring from lower bark peeling in their younger years. The only thing we do is carefully peel or cut any of the lose bark that may make a home for invasive insects to nest in, other then that we leave it alone. I know many will disagree (especially the manufactures of the products) , but imo, mother nature is the best healer.
Bordeaux mix, Bordeaux mix ! ... or not. I would apply some copper-based fungicide to be on the safe side, but like the others, I think it will be OK.
