Tree wound care - Ask Extension
Hi,
We had a treehouse removed yesterday and the tree was cut into in a few places. The first is about 14 inches (first image), and the two on the ...
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Tree wound care #875555
Asked July 01, 2024, 6:26 PM EDT
Hi,
We had a treehouse removed yesterday and the tree was cut into in a few places. The first is about 14 inches (first image), and the two on the opposite side are 3.5 and 6 inches (second image), all vertical. I'm wondering if there's anything I should apply to these wounds to protect the tree?
There are also two lag bolts and I'd like to know if it would be better for the tree to remove them or leave them? If I leave them can I cut them close to flush or will the vibration from cutting damage the tree? If I remove them is there any additional wound care I should do beyond what you recommend for the cuts?
Thanks!
New Castle County Delaware
Expert Response
Trees will seal those wounds on their own. There is nothing you should do to speed up that process. Wound dressings are detrimental. Leave the lag bolts rather than removing. Removal will open up a larger wound that the tree will need to grow callus over to seal. Cut the bolts close to flush and the tree will probably produce callus over the bolts.