|
|
Post by Jonah on Nov 4, 2006 21:30:57 GMT
Hello all
When I first posted on the beeb earlier in the year, I asked about a tree that was sickly on one side with a patch of missing bark. It seems to be losing more bark now, in fact a strip all down one side about 1ft by 4.5 ft. Is there anything I can wrap or cover the missing area with that would help protect the tree from more damage?
Many thanks.
|
|
|
|
Post by chickadeedeedee on Nov 5, 2006 3:50:51 GMT
Hi.
Do you know what kind of tree it is? There may be specific insect infestation or diseases caused by insects that could be causing the tree to be sick and the subsequent loss of the bark. To cover the bark with tree wrap or some kind of adhesive like what would be used for wounds may not really help if the underlying cause isn't dealt with.
If the tree had some kind of severe trauma, like hit by lightning, there may be nothing that can be done to save the tree. If enough bark is missing, deep enough to cut off the flow of nutrients, there may be no turning back for the tree either.
(I am just a wealth of good news, aren't I?)
If the tree is stressed from too much water or too little water and things can be done to make conditions better, maybe your tree could recover. Here we have a product called Tree Kote, which is like a black tar substance that is used to put on wounds caused by limb pruning or storm damage. Your garden center or nursery may have a similar product.
But ... to coat a huge swath of tree may not really do anything if the area of tree is dead. To try to keep other parts of the bark on may not work either if the cause is a disease process and the bark is detaching itself. The bark may remain attached if some exterior support like a wrap or adhesive is applied but it may only be cosmetic if the bark and underlying tissue is dead.
Does that make sense?
I guess after all these words I am trying to say that ideally it would be best to find the cause of the loss of bark first because efforts to just support the bark may be futile for the survival of the tree. Hope that helped more than confused.
C3D
|
|
|
|
Post by Jonah on Nov 5, 2006 12:10:46 GMT
Hi C3D Thank you for your reply. I've put a link to my original post on incase that helps explain a little further. www.bbc.co.uk/dna/mbgardening/F2759007?thread=2193848I am hoping it is the old playhouse that is the only culprit, but might have to inspect further. If I could find the camera charger I would take a picture to help with ID on the tree and the ailment! Just thought with the wet and horrible weather around the corner, if I could help it through the winter it might do some good. I am going to have to hunt again. Take care  |
|
|
|
Post by Deleted on Nov 5, 2006 15:22:46 GMT
Has it started to grow over or to make a build up of scar tissue round the wound on the original site? trees can go on with a missing area of bark if is not too great a percentage of the total and not a complete ring. If it is rubbing or wear damage would a padded hessian cover protect the tree. If there is insect or fungal injury a cover usually just moves the damage to another place of escape.
|
|
|
|
Post by Jonah on Nov 6, 2006 12:00:59 GMT
Oh dear. I've just been out for a quick inspection, it is not easy to get to with all the building work going on out there! There seems to be a lot more evidence of bark loss than I feared, it seems to be going all over. Lots of woodlice. And on the top of where a large bough joins the main trunk the wood appears to be rotting through, probably more of that happening further up. Do you think I should get it chopped down before a bough falls on someone?  I think it is very old. |
|
|
|
Post by oldmoleskins on Nov 6, 2006 16:50:59 GMT
Sadly, it seems like curtains, jonah. If it's in a position where it could do damage should it fall or lose limbs, then at least get the tree surgeons in to give an opinion. Prepare yourself for the inevitable and hope for better news...
OM.
|
|
|
|
Post by Jonah on Nov 7, 2006 16:32:44 GMT
just found the charger, so will try and get a pic before any drastic action. Bit dark now though. |
|
|
|
Post by Jonah on Nov 8, 2006 12:26:31 GMT
|
|
|
|
Post by Dutchy on Nov 8, 2006 12:48:52 GMT
I still do not know what tree it is but it looks pretty bad to me. Perhaps you should pm Welshblue. Him being a forrester.
|
|
|
|
Post by oldmoleskins on Nov 8, 2006 17:19:26 GMT
yep, "whoyagonnacall?"
OldWelshblue!
But I'd be amazed having seen pic4 if he says anything other than drop it. Sorry.
OM.
|
|
|
|
Post by Dutchy on Nov 8, 2006 18:27:30 GMT
Sorry I know I am sidetracking but... There is something nagging me Oldmoleskin. It says you joined on december 1969 The world in general or this board? |
|
|
|
Post by oldmoleskins on Nov 8, 2006 18:30:08 GMT
dutchy - it's a ProBoard glitch - they couldn't handle my birth year or something... I am very old...
OM.
|
|
|
|
Post by Jonah on Nov 8, 2006 21:08:54 GMT
Thanks everyone.
I have done as you suggested and pm'd welshblue, but I'm not hopeful it is going to survive. It is a concern as the tree borders the path and I don't want it hurting anyone.
Still feels a bit odd that a worm is living in my tree [there are probably more], the birds are usually all over it eating berries, must be driving them nuts!
|
|
|
|
Post by Deleted on Nov 9, 2006 9:26:49 GMT
Jonah - your tree seems to be some kind of Prunus eh? A flowering or fruit cherry or plum.
This kind of bark shedding comes after an attack by a fungus disease which it may or not live with afterwards. They all get it and there is very little you can do to prevent it.
I have had moderate success with ameliorating the damage though. Obviously you'll have to assess whether the rot has gone into the bigger boughs so that they might crack off in future but you can clean away all the diseased material until you find clean new growing tissue at the boundaries of the wounds - with a chippies' chisel - cruel to be kind.
Then slodge on an black bitumen product to keep further bugs out.
The fungus that killed the living parts of the tree will not eat the old hard wood in the centre of trunk and branches but other types will if the wood gets wet - that's the point of bitumen.
There appears to be particuarly virulent forms of systemic fungus going about in recent years - I have a Lilac, Acers and Magnolia in my garden attacked but fingers crossed they are living with it.
Oh and p.s. the fungus almost certainly entered your tree at ground or just under ground level so clean away there too.
|
|
|
|
Post by Dutchy on Nov 10, 2006 8:33:08 GMT
dutchy - it's a ProBoard glitch - they couldn't handle my birth year or something... I am very old... OM. ;D ;D ;D |
|
|
|
Post by Dutchy on Nov 10, 2006 8:36:34 GMT
Jonah, I know it is hard because we tend to hang on to our trees but perhaps you should go and find yourself a new one.
Sometimes a gardener has to be really hard to its plants to move the garden in general on to a happy future.
p.s. planting the same tree might not be a good idea with the fungus probably still lingering in your garden.
Hug, D
|
|
|
|
Post by Jonah on Nov 11, 2006 23:27:09 GMT
Well, I've tried shrinking the image by 50% on photobucket, but it still isn't any smaller. What am I doing wrong? This is a pic of the leaves and berries, passed it's best now, but can anyone help with a positive ID. I am still of the opinion it is a whitebeam. I think it is time to call in a tree man to have a look. I want to avoid the local 'man with a van' and will try to pick a tree preservation/ doctor in the hope he/ she  will say it is worth saving. If not we will fry this summer! Shame if it has to go, but thanks guys  |
|
|
|
Post by Jonah on Nov 11, 2006 23:28:08 GMT
Oh, it is smaller! Preview shows it the same size as in the beginning. Have to remember that one!
|
|
|
|
Post by Spruance on Nov 12, 2006 1:49:49 GMT
Having had a quick look around on Google, I am inclined to agree with the Whitebeam idea, especially with it berrying now, although I don't know what is wrong with the tree. As far as the GWD 'knowledge pool' is concerned I would have thought Andy or Lord Steve might be your best bets, with them both being professional gardeners. Good luck! |
|
will say it is worth saving. If not we will fry this summer! Shame if it has to go, but thanks guys 
