King Crimson Red Maple Tree - Ask Extension
HI..I planted my first tree 3 years ago. I have babied it through something eating holes in it's leaves to keeping it safe from the paid lawn service...
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King Crimson Red Maple Tree #929639
Asked April 25, 2026, 9:00 PM EDT
HI..I planted my first tree 3 years ago. I have babied it through something eating holes in it's leaves to keeping it safe from the paid lawn service company at my condo.
I have learned that I made a mistake in the way I trimmed the lower branches. I cut them flush with the tree. After the cut I painted the "wound" with pine tar. Currently, the area of the cuts look vulnerable because the bark has continued to separate and I am concerned that bugs will invest the tree.
What action should I take to help the tree's areas of trimming. There are about 3 that are of concern.
Thank you,
Ingham County Michigan
Expert Response
Hello,
It might have been helpful to have photos, but it probably would not have changed my answer. There is nothing you should do at this point. Painting wounds with sealant is not recommended unless the tree is an oak tree during the growing season. ( This helps prevent oak wilt disease.) Sealant interferes with the tree's natural process to "heal" wounds, so it may take longer for your tree to grow the callus tissue you want to see forming over pruning wounds. The following article illustrates what I am referring to: https://www.purdue.edu/fnr/extension/tree-wounds-and-healing/
At this point the best thing to do for your tree is to reduce stress on it by providing good care. This consists of watering during drought and applying a light (2-3 inches) layer of mulch over its root system- pulled away from the trunk. Shade trees do not typically need fertilizer, and excess fertilizer can cause problems, so if you are tempted to fertilize, test the soil around the tree first to see if it is needed, and if so, what type and how much to apply. You can get a soil test kit here: https://homesoiltest.msu.edu/
It might have been helpful to have photos, but it probably would not have changed my answer. There is nothing you should do at this point. Painting wounds with sealant is not recommended unless the tree is an oak tree during the growing season. ( This helps prevent oak wilt disease.) Sealant interferes with the tree's natural process to "heal" wounds, so it may take longer for your tree to grow the callus tissue you want to see forming over pruning wounds. The following article illustrates what I am referring to: https://www.purdue.edu/fnr/extension/tree-wounds-and-healing/
At this point the best thing to do for your tree is to reduce stress on it by providing good care. This consists of watering during drought and applying a light (2-3 inches) layer of mulch over its root system- pulled away from the trunk. Shade trees do not typically need fertilizer, and excess fertilizer can cause problems, so if you are tempted to fertilize, test the soil around the tree first to see if it is needed, and if so, what type and how much to apply. You can get a soil test kit here: https://homesoiltest.msu.edu/
