Arborvitae Trunk Wound: Irreversible Entry Point for Decay

Renee (Arkansas): newly planted Emerald Green Arborvitae from Lowe's. Large cut in trunk, small brown patches on branches. Worried cut will kill tree. Asks: repair?

Expert Assessment

Steve: severity-dependent trouble ahead. Open wound = insect/disease entry. No fix known. Pruning paints useless/harmful. Prevention best. If cut existed at purchase: pursue replacement with paperwork. Start with defect-free healthy tree.

Key Insight

Trunk wounds on new plants are unacceptable. Nursery liability applies. Pruning paint research shows ineffectiveness. Replacement is the only correct action for damaged new stock.