Howdy folks,
In regards to this post:
Tree paint is still recommended for live oak and red oak as a physical
barrier against the oak wilt spore-carrying nitidulid beetle.


It's suggested that tree paint traps moisture and dying vascular
tissue between itself and the tree's own sealants, encouraging decay
and providing more favorable conditions for insects and pathogens.

This is what I've been hearing also, and should have noted that
given the Oak Wilt problem measures are taken that are not used with
other trees. It's also my understanding that the trees own sealants
are concentrated at the collar, that rounded outgrowth where the
branch meets the tree and proper pruning requires careful location of
the cuts to ensure proper healing of the wound, which is worth some
pictorial research or demonstration by a good arborist. I hope someone
with a better grasp of the bio chemistry might elaborate for our
benefit.

Take care,
Steve Coyle
www.austingardencenter.com