In a message dated 3/5/2005 7:06:21 PM Eastern Standard Time,
writes:
As mentioned in replies to your original message. Very few tree surgeons are
now using sealants and pastes due to fear of encouraging disease.
I personally do not use anything, and have never had a problem. Be sure to
make any cuts not hold water from rain, dew, your cutting tool whatever it
may be is clean and sharp and my guess is you will never have a problem.



Group:

Our bonsai friend from down under has provided sound advise about dealing
with wounds. Major wounds resulting from trunk chops can hold water and promote
decay if they have not been cut at the proper angle. As for the aesthetic
manipulation of the wound site, carving can become part of the solution.

There are many schools of thought surrounding the application of sealants. I
have never seen any of my trees incur a fungus because a cut paste or putty
was applied. I have seen the positive effects ranging from stopping the
undesirable flow of sap in Maples and Pines with a cut paste to the accelerated the
healing of wounds on Elms, Boxwoods, Hornbeams, and Pines with cut putty.

The aesthetics of bonsai should also enter into consideration when applying
sealants. For this reason, I often rebark the site where the sealant has been
applied. This is accomplished by shaving bark from the pruned branch and
pressing it onto the sealant.

Cordially,

Michael Persiano
members.aol.com/iasnob

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