Wound sealer, do you use it or no? In the past wound sealer was recommended when pruning plants or when a tree/plant was damaged in a storm or by other causes. Wound sealer was thought to add a layer of protection to the plant that prevented moisture loss, pest and other negative factors.
I think this may even still be the case regarding some trees such as Elms or Oaks. I have even seen recent posts about people applying wound sealer in the bonsai hobby when harvesting materials or hard pruning.
I am not sure it is good or bad, but there have been some advancements in arboriculture over the last years that you can consider.
Research says
Research has recently reported that these sealants can trap moisture and fungi in the plant. this may lead to rot and thwarting the natural process a tree goes through to compartmentalize damage. That sure doesn’t seem like a complication I wish to give my plants.
So of course the industry makes some changes or adapts to this new information and shazam! We have new pastes that are breathable and that mitigates some of the previously identified issues.
If you are going to use..
Well, modern products provide substances or mixtures that allow for the wound to breathe and limit the chance for rot. Hey that is good. Be sure you are using such a product. Here in the Philippines many products come from China. Well not really different than Amazon right? Not exactly. The product may be the same as you might get from Amazon or elesewhere in the USA, but the packaging may not be useful to you.
Not really sure about the specifics of this product. I hope you can read it though.
Recent recommendations say that for humid area like ours fruit trees may benefit from its usage. Trees like Plum, Peach or cherry trees. Well maybe Sineguellas, Lemonsito, Governor’s Plum, Acerola Cherry, Fig, and the list may go on. The point to watch is be sure your repair material is breathable. Maybe this is also useful when grafting if that is your practice.
Other Considerations
- Make sure the wound is clean and an even surface.
- Apply it immediately upon seeing the wound
- Apply a thin layer with a clean brush or papd
- Don’t water or apply in the rain or when expecting rain as it needs to dry
- Work in well ventilated areas if the paste has odors or you have concerns.
Other options
If due to pruning, prune in late winter or early spring when the plant may be dormant. This may be more difficult in the tropical regions, but it is food for thought.
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