Chestnut Help

[KSQ2]

This one of the trees we planted from seed 7 years ago. As you can see, it’s hitting the top of the cage. This is the central leader, so I don’t want to cut it eventually. Is it beyond help? Will a pool noodle help on the cage or on of the limb itself? The tree and the leader otherwise look perfectly healthy and growing well.

 

[Native Hunter]

If that cage is 5 feet, I would trim it down to 4 feet. If not, use some coated clothes line to keep it from hitting the cage. That spot will heal fine over time.

 

[KSQ2]

If that cage is 5 feet, I would trim it down to 4 feet. If not, use some coated clothes line to keep it from hitting the cage. That spot will heal fine over time.

Sounds like a plan, it’s a tall cage. While I’m getting chestnut help, our new planting isn’t looking good still. Any ideas? I’ve set it out with more sun and it’s getting regular rain, but I’m not watering them at all. The oak is looking awesome, I can’t figure out the difference.

 

[Native Hunter]

Sounds like a plan, it’s a tall cage. While I’m getting chestnut help, our new planting isn’t looking good still. Any ideas? I’ve set it out with more sun and it’s getting regular rain, but I’m not watering them at all. The oak is looking awesome, I can’t figure out the difference.
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I don't have any advice on that chestnut. Some trees just get off to a bad start, and there isn't much you can do. It may still pull out and do fine it time.

One more thing - take a sharp knife and smooth out the rough edge around that damaged place on your tree and it will heal quicker. Just make it slick and no bigger than you have to.

 

[KSQ2]

I don't have any advice on that chestnut. Some trees just get off to a bad start, and there isn't much you can do. It may still pull out and do fine it time.

One more thing - take a sharp knife and smooth out the rough edge around that damaged place on your tree and it will heal quicker. Just make it slick and no bigger than you have to.

I’m not sure exactly what you’re describing. I REALLY don’t want to hurt this tree. Are you talking about removing the edge all the way around the opening? Would you recommend using pruning sealer?

 

[Native Hunter]

I’m not sure exactly what you’re describing. I REALLY don’t want to hurt this tree. Are you talking about removing the edge all the way around the opening? Would you recommend using pruning sealer?

Trim the rough edge around the wound and make it smooth. You can do this without making the wound hardly any bigger. A sharp pocket knife will work. Most experts are not recommending pruning sealer now.

 

[George]

Your sad seedling looks like a break up in it's genetic code.

G

 

[T-Max]

I've got several chestnuts with wounds like that. I initially tubed them and found that made them too leggy. So I caged them and they whipped around in the wind and got damaged. All have seemed to recover and I hope that since it happened when they were quite small that eventually you may not be able to tell.

 

[buckdeer1]

Why not just put in bigger cage?I have even cut and bent down the wire on cage in the area of the limb so it doesn't rub

 

[KSQ2]

Why not just put in bigger cage?I have even cut and bent down the wire on cage in the area of the limb so it doesn't rub

Already cut cage down, per advice above; just wanting to make sure I didn’t catch the wound too late.

 

[wbpdeer]

Native Hunter is correct about experts now say skip the pruning sprays. I had an expert tell me, Oxygen is what helps the tree recover from the wound and the petroleum products work against our interest.

I got a can almost new that I have not tossed out yet.

wbpdeer

 

[Oakseeds]

Wounds on an oak tree should usually be sealed (ASAP / white/black latex paint will do) 10 months out of a year. Best thing is to prune oak trees during the months of Dec.-Jan. "Sealing a fresh cut on a tree with pruning paint is usually not recommended, as it interferes with the natural healing process. However, if an oak tree must be pruned during the warmer months, sealing the wound is important to protect the area from the insects that spread oak wilt disease—primarily sap beetles and oak bark beetles."

2 really good explanations ...

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Is it advisable to paint pruning wounds when pruning trees?

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