On 8/6/13 9:22 PM, 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.



Pruning paint or seal based on oil or tar often causes die-back. I use
white glue on my roses and peach tree. This prevents insects from
boring into the branch at the cut. It also seems to promote the
formation of callus over the cut.

--
David E. Ross
Climate: California Mediterranean, see
http://www.rossde.com/garden/climate.html
Gardening diary at http://www.rossde.com/garden/diary