Best way to treat tree wound?

[JeremyL]

Is there a way to treat this wound in order to get the most life out of the remaining tree trunk? I had to take out one part of this twin-trunk tree since it was too close to the house.
I have always heard the you don't need to put on a cut sealer. But how do I keep water from filling up the rotted core of the stump.
Appreciate it.

 

[Egon]

Drill a small hole to drain the trapped water.

 

[2LaneCruzer]

I spray mine with automobile undercoating.

 

[Quartz]

Trouble is, the center is already decaying on the side trunk. Need to get that plugged to keep water and insects out of it. A small branch would heal itself over, but as big as that is, it would probably be best to use a tree coating on it. Clean out the center and plug it as best as possible. There are some paste products, not sure how expensive they are or how well they really work. Have seen light concrete used, but that is really not the best. I'm sure others will have a more reliable option for plugging the rotted area.

 

[Western]

Covering a "wound" on a tree is a old "wives' tale", better to let the tree heal itself with is natural defenses. If you coat it, you may prevent it from healing at all. Some woulds are not recoverable and that tree may already be on its last leg. I know the only thing my grandfather put on a cut was Listerine mixed with a little water.

Google it. I did since I know someone will say BS, but try it. Here is just one

""Research indicates that wound dressings (materials such as tar or paint) do not prevent decay and may even interfere with wound closure. Wound dressings can have the following detrimental effects:

Prevent drying and encourage fungal growth
Interfere with formation of wound wood or callus tissue
Inhibit compartmentalization
Possibly serve as a food source for pathogens""

Tree Wounds : Tree Care Kit - Texas AgriLife Extension Service

Here is another

""Although Shigo debunked the myth
of wound dressing decades ago, it still persists, particularly among
those with something to sell. A quick look at the
Internet revealed the following claims (I’ve left out
brand names, but they’re easy to find)""

http://puyallup.wsu.edu/~linda chalker-scott/horticultural myths_files/Myths/Wound sealer.pdf

Here is just one excerpt

 

[Pilot]

Western is right on.
But don't worry about the decay killing the tree, it won't do that. It is rotting dead wood. It will reduce the strength somewhat, but most of the strength is on the perimeter--think pipe or tube. A pipe is almost as strong as a rod.

 

[rekees4300]

But how do I keep water from filling up the rotted core of the stump.

Clean out the rotten core then fill the hole with hydraulic cement. After cement dries, cover cut surface with Tanglefoot Tree Sealer, the stuff works great!

http://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B000MWX1H0/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

 

[dave1949]

I have to agree with Western too. Trees know how to heal and seal themselves to a great extent. My guess is that cut side of the stump will just rot away eventually. I think I would have left more of it in place though compared to cutting so close to the trunk joint.

The remaining trunk may also already have some rot in it.

 

[HarryN]

Yes, just leave it alone.

 

[davesl708]

What Western said. Also, make sure the tree gets tree food, disease control treatment and water to give it the best chance to heal it's self. Trees get damaged by storms and recover.