Greenscape Gardens Green Blog

GREENSCAPE GARDENS TREE CARE TIPS

HOW TO REPAIR TORN BARK

Torn or stripped bark is the result of limbs being violently broken from the tree by vandalism, wind or branches falling from above. To improve appearance and eliminate hiding places for insects, carefully use a chisel or sharp knife to smooth ragged edges of dead or dying bark. Remove the bark back to the point at which it is attached to the tree. Try not to expose any more cambium (inner bark). Shaping the tear into an ellipse has more aesthetic value than effect on the wound closure, and if you use this traditional method, round the ends to prevent dieback of the cambium at these points. Keep the wound as narrow as you can to hasten wound closing. For additional information concerning the care of your trees check out: http://www.arborday.org/programs/treecityusa.cfm