Broken Crepe Myrtle branch
#1
10-25-19, 02:32 PM
Join Date: Oct 2019
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Broken Crepe Myrtle branch
I was holding down a large branch (1 1/2 " in diameter) on our 3 year old Crepe Myrtle to be able to reach a couple of smaller branches that were growing off of it that needed to be trimmed. Unfortunately, it broke off while I was holding it. The problem is, it wasn't a clean break- it was more like a rip. What can I do to protect the part of the tree that it was ripped from? There is about 4" of raw tree. 
#2
10-25-19, 03:24 PM
There seems to be some controversy about this.
I am with the let it heal itself group.
If there is a stump cut it off flush and leave it.
The tree will scar over and heal itself,
I am with the let it heal itself group.
If there is a stump cut it off flush and leave it.
The tree will scar over and heal itself,
#3
10-26-19, 04:58 AM
Group Moderator
It depends on where it broke. If the limb broke then you can simply make a clean cut a bit further back. If you ripped the branch from the trunk then I would just leave it.
joecaption
voted this post useful.
#4
10-26-19, 08:41 AM
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It actually ripped from the trunk, leaving a bare area of about 4" long and 3" wide. I was thinking there might be something that I could put on that spot so bugs/fungus or whatever won't be able to damage the tree.
#5
10-26-19, 08:48 AM
Group Moderator
You can treat primed ends and damaged wood with Pruning paint (wound paint) but it often does more harm than good because it interferes with the tree's natural healing process. When bark is damaged the tree will eventually replace it with its own type of scar tissue. It will just take time to heal. If it broke that easily it probably needed to go away anyway. If you can smooth up the break close to the trunk (close but not flush) that will help it to heal.
