I have a decently large beech tree in my yard that seems to have some kind of wound and I'd like to help it live if possible. Attaching some pics... What do ya think?
![[Hearth.com] Can I save this tree?](https://www.hearth.com/talk/attachments/img_20191109_142832-webp.251640/ "[Hearth.com] Can I save this tree?")
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Can I save this tree?
- Thread starter therealdbeau
- Start date
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Beer Belly
Minister of Fire
The Bark around it almost looks like an outline of the USA....except Florida isn't in the right direction
Woodsplitter67
Minister of Fire
If the tree looks health otherwise I wouldn't worry about it that much. On Beech the bark scars easily. That's why it's a favorite for graffiti.
KindredSpiritzz
Minister of Fire
If anything i'd put some tar or roofing patch in the hole to plug it up and keep moisture and critters out, otherwise it looks healthy still.
Simonkenton
Minister of Fire
The Bark around it almost looks like an outline of the USA....except Florida isn't in the right direction
Yes it does, plus, below it is the southern half of South America.
I suspect that this tree bark carving was done by the navigator, of the Ponce de Leon expidition in 1519.
Yes beech does scar up quite easily. I would just leave it alone. Tar used to be used years ago on trees but I don't think its recommended any more. The tree has defenses for wounds and will attempt to wall up the injury.
Easy Livin’ 3000
Minister of Fire
I think that filling things like this with tar, cement, etc., was the old way of thinking.
Current arborist science suggests that you should leave it alone, or perhaps shave some more bark off around the wound, (think, taking a drawknife perpendicular to the trunk, and shave straight down, taking about a half inch off of the high points.). This will stimulate growth, and the tree will heal itself, filling in the hole.
If you put something man-made in it, it won't heal correctly, and if you, or anyone else tries to cut it up and burn it in the future, it will be a huge mess.
The bark is the tree's skin. You wouldn't put foreign matter in an infected wound on your own skin, would you?
Current arborist science suggests that you should leave it alone, or perhaps shave some more bark off around the wound, (think, taking a drawknife perpendicular to the trunk, and shave straight down, taking about a half inch off of the high points.). This will stimulate growth, and the tree will heal itself, filling in the hole.
If you put something man-made in it, it won't heal correctly, and if you, or anyone else tries to cut it up and burn it in the future, it will be a huge mess.
The bark is the tree's skin. You wouldn't put foreign matter in an infected wound on your own skin, would you?
Rob711
Feeling the Heat
Id ignore it. As a kid I watched a guy basically fill the core of a tree with cement. Must suck for unsuspecting tree guy and his saw!!
Easy Livin’ 3000
Minister of Fire
I was more referring to something solid, that wouldn't go away. Which we actually do, with earrings and breast implants... .
I thought someone might make a comment like this, because I probably would have!
LOL couldn't resist
When I was a kid, we commonly put a kind of tar labeled by Ortho to cover fresh wounds. Now I only prune in the dead of winter. That gives the wound a chance to heal.
Hi. Former arborist here who focused on tree preservation. Looks like an old branch or wound that is healing over nicely. No action needed.
Filling tree wounds is not recommended anymore as it traps moisture and actually promotes quicker decay. The tree will compartmentalize the wound and seal it seal off nicely on its own.
If this is a landscape tree Recommendations for overall health include making sure the trees root collar is not buried ( google it! Most important item of tree care, especially for beeches which are prone to vascular disorders). Water once a week in the absence of rain( a hose set to trickle. overnight will do). Apply a nice ring of mulch(not too deep, 2-3 inches) as wide as you can (Keep that root flare clear). Some compost never hurts. Soil health is particularly important for beeches.
Filling tree wounds is not recommended anymore as it traps moisture and actually promotes quicker decay. The tree will compartmentalize the wound and seal it seal off nicely on its own.
If this is a landscape tree Recommendations for overall health include making sure the trees root collar is not buried ( google it! Most important item of tree care, especially for beeches which are prone to vascular disorders). Water once a week in the absence of rain( a hose set to trickle. overnight will do). Apply a nice ring of mulch(not too deep, 2-3 inches) as wide as you can (Keep that root flare clear). Some compost never hurts. Soil health is particularly important for beeches.
Paulywalnut
Minister of Fire
