Damaged Birch have got scrapes on the trunk.

Macy · Hazel Tree Joined: 01 Sep 2006 Posts: 12

The ditch beside our site was filled in in the last couple of days, which we'd previously planted up our side. For the most part the tree's were avoided, but a few of the 10 year old Silver and Downy Birch have got scrapes on the trunk.

Is there anything I can do to repair these, or aid their own repair, or is it just a case of waiting and hoping they repair themselves?

verge · Posted: Sun Dec 23, 2007 2:01 pm Post subject:

Nature often has a way of working these things out itself, but do the following if you want to promote healing.
Using a sharp knife trim around the scrape removing loose or dead bark to good tissue on each side. To help the movement of water and nutrients around the damaged area, it is best for this trimming to take on an oval shape or elongated circle. Something like an egg standing on end. Look at old healing wounds on other trees and see how this shape forms naturally.
Regular watering and fertilising will be required until the tree recovers or fails. Also be aware that the tree may lose branches, so don't park beneath it even though it is only a light limbed birch.
Good luck with it,