Ginkgo scar healing technique???

Neild

All,
Just wanted to get some of your thoughts on this process. So that I don't get nabbed for not properly citing the reference. The attached page is from Bonsai Techniques I by John Yoshio Naka, pg 46.

Due to their reputation for being incredibly slow healing scars, I thought of using this on a ginkgo I will be doing a trunk chop with. The trunk is around 3". This will be my 1st ginkgo.

Has anyone tried this technique, on any tree ginkgo or other? Pleae give me your thoughts.

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Joanie

Neild, I asked this question in a thread sometime last year. The response was generally that it would be extremely difficult to match the cambium layers throughout the repair. It would be difficult as well to get the cut area smooth enough without harming the cambium layer coming up from the bottom. Another consideration is whether the bark would be that flexible. Maybe it would work for a resinous tree like a pine, but gingko is another matter...

However, personally, I would try it. What do you have to lose? If at least some of the cambium matches, and you cover it with something to keep it moist, perhaps it will work. If it does, please let us know!!

Joanie

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Paul Phillis

My thoughts on gingko healing is that people do not reduce the branch stub enough.

Ginkgo have rather thick bark, this causes problems in that the stub left from cutting the branch remains proud of the trunk, the cambium then has to grow up over that stub to close the wound. What generally happens is that the tree continues to grow until the stub naturally becomes short enough to allow healing.

I have had some success with cutting the stub back level to the wood of the main trunk using a Dremel, or chisel. Leaving a hole with "punched" appearence. Seal it with cut paste.

I also do this with Cedrus deodar, another thick barked species, with some success.

I'd draw a picture but I'm pressed for time.


Cheers

Paul