[CANUFNET] Pruning Wound Treatment

[Michael Richardson via CANUFNET]

A cut this large is never likely to "heal" or occlude as mentioned.

What will occur is that the large wound will allow unspecialized
colonization fungi to attack the newly exposed wood as water content drops
and oxygen levels increase.  The removal of a large limb such as this may
also cause the death of a column of xylem and phloem that was connecting
the limb to the roots system.  Further any heart rot that may be in the
area may suddenly increase in its decay aggression as oxygen is made
available (it is worth remembering that heart rots arising within wood not
exposed to outside oxygen do not cause the formation of CODIT wall 4).

No covering or sealant is likely to have a significant impact on the
progression of decay in a wound this large.

Too bad the massive cut was made in the first place.

Michael


> It is unlikely that silver Maple will be able to occlude a 24” wound any
> time in the next decade and it would be advisable to prevent the constant
> moisture that may persist and exacerbate decay pathogens.  Paint, tar,
> metal are all tried and tested but I would suggest a barrier that will
> allow the wound to fully dry out and not retain moisture behind the
> barrier.  Metal may look the least pleasing aesthetically but would sheet
> off the rain and snow and allow air to travel underneath.  Paints and tars
> of various types are still up for discussion so I won’t comment on what
> kind or types is best   ?  If the slope of the cut is sufficient to stop
> pooling water on the surface of the cut I would leave it alone
> personally.
>
> Aidon Pyne
> BCMA
> City of Coquitlam
>
> From: CANUFNET [mailto:canufnet-bounces at list.web.net] On Behalf Of C.
> Kavassalis via CANUFNET
> Sent: Wednesday, August 08, 2018 10:47 AM
> To: Canadian Urban Forest Network
> Subject: Re: [CANUFNET] Pruning Wound Treatment
>
> I received the following inquiry to the Master Gardener Forum and am
> hoping to tap your collective expertise to know what the current standard
> is for pruning wounds.
>
> "We just had a 2 foot diameter limb of our 100 year old silver maple
> removed. It has been cut on a slope nearly to the ground. It has been
> suggested that the cut surface should be capped with sheet metal rather
> than painted with tar or whatever is often used. My question is, do we
> need to do anything to it or just leave it to "heal" over."
>
> Thank you for your assistance.
>
> Best Regards,
> Catherine Kavassalis
> Halton Master Gardeners
> http://www.mgoi.ca/
>