Japanese Maple Trunk Damage: Emergency Wound Care

Immediate Steps

1. Trim loose bark - clean wound edges
2. Apply grafting wax - seals moisture in, fungi out
3. Wrap with tree wrap for winter protection
4. Remove wrap in spring
5. Spring: spray Merit insecticide on wound - prevents borer entry

Outlook

Young tree (4 ft) will compartmentalize and heal over wound. 3/4 girdling serious but recoverable with care.