A tree’s bark provides the tree with protection from a wide host of insects. When the bark is removed and the tissue underneath is exposed, the tree’s susceptibility to an infection is greatly increased. This can lead to premature death.

Humans usually cause common injuries to trees that affect a tree’s bark. Most commonly the bark is damaged when using equipment like tree trimmers or mowers. If you act quickly you can repair the damage, and within one year, you would not be able to tell that any damage had taken place at all.

These tree repair guidelines are for younger trees, unfortunately, there is not much that can be done if a car crashes into that lovely old tree on your front lawn and takes a huge chunk out of it.

Once the damage has taken place you must look for the damaged bark and secure it back onto the tree. Strapping or duct tape is good for this job, as it will hold up well in wet weather too.

All you have to do now is wait for three months. Keep checking during this period that the tape has held. If it slips off, then you must replace and secure it immediately. Once the three-month period is up remove the tape from the tree. It is very important to remove the tape completely as tape wrapped around a tree this way can actually damage the tree and kill it off.

If there is no Bark to Put Back on the Tree …

If there is no bark to put back onto the tree then the best way to get a good recovery and well-healed scar is to have the damaged area be as clean cut as possible. If the damaged part is torn and has edges hanging off then they will need to be removed with a blade or sharp knife. Cut the area into an eye shape, meaning thin at the top and bottom while wider in the middle. This will help the tree heal much quicker.

The main problem that occurs with damaged tree bark is insects that hide in the wound; this can cause infection to the tree. When the tree has healed well, and the scar is good and sealed insects will not be able to get into the wound and cause any damage.

Tree Sealing Products

There are a few tree healing products in the market that claim to repair the tree simply by spraying on what looks like black paint. We have yet to come across any real proof that this helps the tree to heal. It could in fact limit the trees natural ability to heal well and slow down the healing process. Hence it is better to stick to the natural method of allowing the tree to heal itself, as we know it works.

Be as Quick as you can

It is of the utmost importance that you get to the tree as soon as the damage has occurred for the best chance of it healing well and producing a good solid scar. This should keep out insects forever. If you have gardeners, make sure they inform you about any damage that they may create so you can act quickly and start the tree repair process as soon as possible.

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