On Wed, 07 Aug 2013 01:10:50 -0400, Derald
wrote:

"Bob F" wrote:

Guv Bob wrote:
PS -- Be sure that when you cut the limbs that it doesn't kill the
tree.

When I have to prune a tree that is important to keep, I always make
up a disinfecting solution of 1 teaspoon of chlorox in a gallon of
water, wipe it around where I'm going to cut and wipe the saw blade.
Then after cutting, paint the open wound with a pruning seal. Cheap,
easy and helps to ensure the tree survives. I do this even with
small cuts if the tree is important to keep.

My understanding is that "pruning seal" is not recommended these day. They can
prevent the tree from properly sealing the wound.

I've read this advice, too, even in my pruning "Bible" on which
I've depended for years. However, my experience (mostly with Florida's
native hardwoods) has been that use of a good pruning paint seems --
anecdotally, mind you -- to prevent fungus growth and to speed callus
formation, particularly on larger wounds. For the past thirty-or-so
years, I've abandoned the use of specialty products, which AFAIK no
longer contain creosote, in favor of the spray-on product sold as
"undercoating" by automotive parts stores.

Undercoating is the worst... a thick coat of tarry goop that won't
disolve with water is far worse... the whole concept of coating tree
wounds is to prevent insect entry during healing... an occasional
spritz with soapy solution works well; 1 oz Murphy's Oil Soap to 1 qt
H2O. Also a poultice of water and Octagon brown soap applied to tree
wounds goes a long way towards keeping the creepy crawlies out.