Repairing Storm Damage on a Maple Tree

A large limb snapped off a front-yard maple, leaving an open wound on the trunk. Owner asks how to repair it.

Wound Care

Cut the stub back to ¼ inch from the trunk.
Clean splintered bark and wood around the wound.
Do not apply wound dressing – it slows natural callusing.
Fertilize with 10-10-10 at 1 lb per inch of trunk diameter, scattered under canopy, watered in (or before rain).

The tree will compartmentalize the wound over time.

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