I have a Japanese Maple in my yard in Halifax, NS and it didn't over-winter well. The outer bark is splitting/peeling and the centimetre-thick inner bark is gone in some places -- exposing the smooth inner wood. I'm thinking I should have wrapped it in burlap to protect it from the frost/thaw cycle? But is there any way to help it heal? Should I tape it up? Or paint on some kind of protection? I'd love some advice...
The bad news is that I think your tree will not survive. This happened to an Osakasuki with me and I was recommended a moss 'poultice' which I tied around the wound to see if it would help with healing. Unfortunately it didn't work. I hope I am wrong and that you get a successful 'bright idea' from someone else Good luck anyways ......
it looks like the woundwood or ram's horns has formed at the wound edges, this is good news. I would suggest to leave the damaged bark to fall off on its own, trying to help it might cause further damage. If you have cold winter weather with sun, consider wrapping the trunk in a protective barrier to try to reduce frost splitting from environmental exposure, dont leave it on all year though, it is suggested that it can trap moisture and harbour insects that may cause other damages. Until the damage encircles the trunk entirely, the tree has a chance. :) For further info, sometimes more technical than you may want, research C.O.D.I.T or Dr Alex Shigo and compartmentalization, it may shed some light on the tree's response to damage for you.
Thanks for the advice. I'm keeping my fingers crossed... and my eye on the tree. It would be a real shame to lose...
