Recent Storm Damage

[PTS]

Recent Storm Damage dropped a tree onto a lilac causing one of the main leaders to split in the center vertical with the limb. The split is around 4 inches however above and below the split are in good condition. I guess to picture this think of taking a hot dog and splitting it end to end but leave the ends attached so that only the middle is separated.

Saving this leader is important to the homeowner. My intentions are to dress the wound by wrapping the wound with tree wrap and securing it with electrical tape to keep the wrap on. I will then secure the top part of the limb to other adjacent limbs for stability.

I even thought about checking into the grafting wax to help dress the wound but I know little about the stuff. Not sure if that would help or hurt.

Any words of wisdom?

 

[BlueRidgeMark]

When wrapping with electrical tape, make sure the last 2 inches or so is not stretched. If you stretch it to the end, it will peel up on you.

I like to wrap another, separate piece around the last wrap. This final layer is not stretched at all, just laid on and pressed down.

I've wrapped many an antenna connection that way, and they stay put for years.

 

[John Paul Sanborn]

splitting it end to end but leave the ends attached so that only the middle is separated.

I've read that a plastic bag will keep the gases in that help promote calusing.

I would put 2 small iron through bolts in to hold the sides together, wrap in plastic and tape off.

 

[treeseer]

I've read that a plastic bag will keep the gases in that help promote calusing.

I would put 2 small iron through bolts in to hold the sides together, wrap in plastic and tape off.

Sounds good--I use clingy kitchen wrap

 

[PTS]

Thanks for the pointers.

Kyle

 

[maxburton]

I've seen success with a modified layering techinque. You wet peat moss and put it around the damaged area, then wrap it in black plastic. The meristematic tissue responds by growing roots and callus. Eventually you can remove the plastic and the roots will die off, and if you're lucky there will be a decent connection. I've seen this done with girdled Ginkos. A crazed student at my college decided to take out all of the trees one night, and they had to try to un-girdle them. It worked.