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Most experts agree that the use of tree wound dressing is a very effective and recommended method of protecting against Oak Wilt Disease and Dutch Elm Disease. These diseases are spread primarily by insects feeding on sap from pruned or damaged areas. The application of tree wound dressing eliminates the “open door”, thus preventing the spread of the fungus.It is also recommended that the stumps of trees be coated with tree wound dressing in order to prevent them from becoming “hosts”, and aiding the spread of the fungus.

This however is where the agreement ends, and the controversy begins. While many professionals still recommend treating all wounds over 1 inch in diameter with tree wound dressing; some experts suggest that tree wound dressings offer little benefit in the “healing” of wounded/pruned areas and offer only cosmetic benefit. Still others suggest that tree wound dressings may actually be harmful to the tree. Many of these opponents of tree wound dressings site studies which suggest that tree wound dressings have little effect on the growth rate of callus, and that cracks in the wound dressing provide courts for infection.

While we do not dispute the findings of these studies, we do find fault in the way the studies were conducted. To begin with, the two studies, which we are most familiar with, were initiated during the growing period of the tree, not during the dormant stage when pruning is recommended. Secondly, and more important, in neither of these studies were the wounds inspected for cracks, and if necessary, re-coated with tree wound dressing.

Concerning the first issue, most experts recommend that pruning be done during the dormant time whenever possible. If this is not possible, or when repairing damaged areas, these areas should be inspected frequently, and tree wound dressings should be re-applied over areas that may become exposed.

Concerning the second issue, we recommend that areas treated with tree wound dressing be inspected for cracks, and areas where callus growth has pushed back the tree wound dressing every few months. If the area treated has become disturbed then tree wound dressing should be re-applied. This will prevent these areas from possibly becoming “courts” for infection. Tree wound dressing should be applied in thin coats; this reduces the chance of the surface cracking.

In February of 1998, W.E. Clark Company began a study to compare the closure rate and the presence of fungi between wounds treated with our “Treekote” tree wound dressing and wounds left untreated. At this point in time, the study wounds are not old enough to be harvested and tested for the presence of harmful fungi. However, the study wounds that were treated with “Treekote” tree wound dressing showed significantly increased callus growth, an average of more than 25%, when compared to the untreated wounds.

Wounds and pruned areas that are treated with tree wound dressings also offer a cosmetic benefit. The wounded/pruned area where tree wound dressing has been applied has a “finished” appearance, while those left untreated appear, and in fact are unfinished and potential hosts to the spread of fungus.

We therefore recommend that ALL pruned or wounded trees be treated with “Treekote” tree Wound dressing. Also, that all treated areas should be inspected, and if necessary, retreated with tree wound dressing on a regular basis. This will help prevent the spread of disease, speed the growth of callus, and give your work and attractive, finished appearance.