Recommended wound sealant?

kompik

I need to get my hands on some good wound sealant before I start doing major pruning work on my trees this spring, so I'm looking for recommendations.

One particular question I have...is there a significant difference on the kind of sealant people use on roots (for big taproots, etc.) as compared to the sealant used on branches?

Also, I've read that you should use different sealants on conifers vs. broad-leaved trees. Is that true? Is there one kind that works well for both?

I'm hoping to find a reliable all-in-one sealant product, but I don't want to risk the health of my trees just to save a few bucks.

__________________
- this space for rent -

Advertisement

RonMartin(deceased)

FWIW I have never used a wood sealant on the roots. Tap root or not.

Been doing that fow well over 30 yeats with no problems.

Cuts on the branches are different. They might need some sealant depending on the size of the cut.

Graydon

I use a few sealant as I have yet to find a multipurpose one that really does it all. Like Ron I don't seal roots, just make very clean cuts with sharp tools.

My favorite as of late is the stuff attached. It's more like a glue than a paste and dries to a rubbery sort of texture. It's stopped pines from bleeding out in the summer during some heavy chops. If I could only have one this would be it.

I also have a more typical paste called 'top jin'. It is the second photo and goes on paste like and dries and sticks pretty well but needs more time than the attached stuff to dry completely before it gets wet.

Hope this helps.

Attached Images

	63280.jpg (10.6 KB, 49 views)
	80221.jpg (10.7 KB, 28 views)

__________________

kingkong

I use a pine tar product which is similar to what they use for horning cattle. It is a little thicker than motor oil and hardens. That's for limbs and branches. Just started to use it on root cuts last year. For hollows and crevices, the Japanese pliable puddy fills in well while tree heals.

Repotter

I have used several of the commercial sealants but wasn't totaly happy with them.
I tried using modeling clay about ten years ago and have been usng it ever since.
It stays pliable allowing the tree to heal over the wound. And will fall of when the healing is finished. Its a whole lot less expensive than the pastes I have used too.
I have blended colors with colored clay to match bark and even textured it by pressing a piece of bark against it.
Over all I think its the best thing I've used.

__________________
http://www.tellys.com

http://www.Fourseasonsbonsai.com
The original Four Seasons Bonsai Club of Michigan will host Roy Nagatoshi at our annual show June 21 and 22 at Tellys Greenhouse, 3301 John R road, Troy Mi. 48083

Four Seasons Bonsai Club meetings monthly.
Troy, Michigan

"Anything is possible when you don't know what you are doing"................someone famous I think.

abellows

Check out Nick lenz's new book (Bonsai from the Wild...). According to Nick (pg 17), petroleum jelly works for conifers and Preparation H, yes the butt cream, works great on deciduous trees. I have tried the latter (on my trees) but it is too soon to report any results.
Scott

Wen

I second Graydon on Topsin M (second picture). On my deciduous and trops the results are better than any other product or goo I've used, but I do end up with orange fingers for a while afterwards!

Larry

I just use Vaseline(petroleum jelly)

__________________
Today is or was yesterday's tomorrow

ElGringo

Yes, I use vaseline too. It's cheap and waterproof, but I don't know if it confers any particular advantages to the tree than commercial products. I've noticed that some of you have commented that you don't seal cut roots- surley they are more at risk than branches when it comes to rotting?

__________________
Richard

Wales= RBS 6 nations champions 2008!!!!!