r.p.mcmurphy wrote in message
...
hi all, i have a Gleditsia triacanthos ruby lace... a stunning looking
tree.
but this winter a fence panel flattened it...it was about 6 foot high.
the
bit that has bent, about 4inches from the ground, has split....can it be
repaired?

Steve


Hi Steve,

Well, you can only try, but you will have to act quickly. I have saved a
number of woody plants and small trees over the years. However, there often
remains a lurking weakness, so you will need to keep the tree staked in
future.

To repair it, carefully clean up the exposed inner surface (scrape gently
with a _clean_ blade). Then strap the split trunk firmly together and
secure the tie. Use at least one strong stake to keep the trunk rigid while
it heals. (Later you can remove one, but leave one on the windward side).
Keep the tree well-watered so it doesn't have to struggle. It may be some
months before the wound grafts together, so keep an eye on the process.
Don't be in too much of a hurry of remove the 'bandage'; on the other hand,
don't neglect it until it's cutting into the trunk.

Hope all goes well.
Spider