QuestionWe have a 10 year old magnolia tree in our yard. My husband got in a bind with our boat trailer and hit the side of the tree knocking off a large area of bark. The injury is on one side of the tree and is a vertical strip of about 1 foot. What can I do to help the tree recover?
AnswerThe wound will heal over itself. Cut off any loose bark from around the wound. Do not apply any paint or wound dressing to the wound this will slow down the process of healing. Watch the area for signs of insects boring into the exposed wood--holes or sawdust. IF these are present spray the area with an insecticide called Merit or Onyx. This will control the wood borers if they are present.
