Scott Sloan

I have a large (10-12 foot diameter) Japanese Maple that is at least 50 years old. Yesterday the neighbor's kid broke a large branch off of it, arggggggh! The branch measured approx. 1 1/2 to 2 inches in diameter, was about 4 feet long, and had terminal foliage of about 4 feet in diameter. The break was very close to the branch's junction with a larger main branch, thus, the broken stub had to be cut off essentially flush with the main branch. We sealed the cut with pruning sealer.

The tree has been generally quite healthy. What can I do to help my tree recover from this trauma? What is the long term prognosis for this tree? I've heard that this kind of damage can cause far-reaching effects (even death) throughout the tree.

Also, any tips on propagating the broken branch? I have the broken end in a bucket of water right now.

Help!

-Concerned in Seattle

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