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Ponderosa pine How to care for areas after trimming branches #870141
Asked May 26, 2024, 11:59 AM EDT
I have a healthy 40+ft Ponderosa pine tree. I live in the Denver, Colorado area in a suburban neighborhood. After trimming branches, how do I care for the stump? After researching this question, the answers are split—-seal the cut with pruning sealer vs leave it alone letting the tree “heal itself.” Please suggest what is best for this tree.
Arapahoe County Colorado
Expert Response
Hello Patty,
Thanks for reaching out to Ask Extension with your question!
It is not recommended to use pruning paints, sealants or other products on pruning wounds. Research has shown these products prevent the wounds from healing properly and can actually help to trap moisture in the wound, causing decay. It is far better to make a proper pruning cut, and then let the tree heal itself.
Here is more information about this:
https://planttalk.colostate.edu/topics/trees-shrubs-vines/1753-wound-dressings/
https://extension.arizona.edu/sites/extension.arizona.edu/files/attachment/PruningSealants.pdf
I hope this helps!
Dawn
