Magnolia Bark Damage from Trailer: Clean and Monitor

Boat trailer knocked off 1-ft vertical bark strip on 10-year magnolia. How to help recovery?

Steps

1. Trim loose bark cleanly (sharp knife).
2. No paint/sealant—slows healing.
3. Watch for borers: holes, frass, sap at wound.
4. If borers appear, spray wound with imidacloprid (Merit) or permethrin (Onyx).

Healing

• Callus rolls in from edges; may take years to close 1-ft wound.
• Magnolia compartmentalizes well if healthy.

Bottom Line

Clean edges, no sealant, monitor for borers. Tree will heal itself.