{"id":15835,"date":"2020-07-08T10:58:41","date_gmt":"2020-07-08T13:58:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/?p=15835"},"modified":"2024-04-25T12:14:38","modified_gmt":"2024-04-25T15:14:38","slug":"tree-pruning-sealer-bad-idea","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/tree-care\/tree-pruning-sealer-bad-idea\/","title":{"rendered":"Why Painting on Tree Pruning Sealer Is a Bad Idea"},"content":{"rendered":"<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For a long time, it was common practice to use a pruning sealer like tree tar when trimming trees \u2014 a seemingly common-sense practice recommended by trained arborists and nursery workers alike. Today, homeowners are learning why painting on tree pruning sealer is a bad idea.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Generations of homeowners grew up believing that painting on an application of pruning sealant on tree limbs\/branches was an integral part of \u201csafe\u201d tree pruning. No longer. \u201cCurrent best practices no longer recommend applying sealants [pruning spray or pruning paste] to tree wounds,\u201d says Karl Flocke, a woodland ecologist who works for the Texas A&amp;M Forest Service.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">So let\u2019s talk about why it\u2019s now considered a gardening myth and how yesterday\u2019s tree bandage became today\u2019s bad practice.<\/p>   <div class=\"wp-block-ub-table-of-contents-block ub_table-of-contents\" id=\"ub_table-of-contents-46c33bef-b0d9-499f-96a8-c744780efb37\" data-linktodivider=\"false\" data-showtext=\"show\" data-hidetext=\"hide\" data-scrolltype=\"auto\" data-enablesmoothscroll=\"false\" data-initiallyhideonmobile=\"false\" data-initiallyshow=\"true\"><div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-header-container\" style=\"\"> \t\t\t<div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-header\" style=\"text-align: left; \"> \t\t\t\t<div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-title\" style=\"\">In this article:<\/div> \t\t\t\t \t\t\t<\/div> \t\t<\/div><div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-extra-container\" style=\"\"> \t\t\t<div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-container ub_table-of-contents-1-column\"> \t\t\t\t<ul style=\"\"><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/tree-care\/tree-pruning-sealer-bad-idea\/#0-what-is-a-tree-pruning-sealer\" style=\"\">What is a Tree Pruning Sealer?<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/tree-care\/tree-pruning-sealer-bad-idea\/#1-why-tree-sealant-isn%E2%80%99t-necessary\" style=\"\">Why Tree Sealant Isn\u2019t Necessary<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/tree-care\/tree-pruning-sealer-bad-idea\/#2-tree-sealant-impact-on-human-health\" style=\"\">Tree Sealant Impact on Human Health<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/tree-care\/tree-pruning-sealer-bad-idea\/#3-should-you-seal-pruned-limbs-at-all\" style=\"\">Should You Seal Pruned Limbs at All?<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/tree-care\/tree-pruning-sealer-bad-idea\/#4-the-exception-oak-trees\" style=\"\">The Exception: Oak Trees<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/tree-care\/tree-pruning-sealer-bad-idea\/#5-how-to-remove-pruning-sealer\" style=\"\">How to Remove Pruning Sealer<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/tree-care\/tree-pruning-sealer-bad-idea\/#6-faq\" style=\"\">FAQ<\/a><\/li><\/ul> \t\t\t<\/div> \t\t<\/div><\/div>   <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"0-what-is-a-tree-pruning-sealer\">What is a Tree Pruning Sealer?<\/h2>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A tree pruning sealer is a specially designed waterproof product that is applied via aerosol spray or painted on with a brush. It is used for the exposed cut on a limb or tree branch after pruning. For many, many years \u2014 and still to this day in some cases \u2014 people were told by an arborist that tree wounds had to be covered with a sealant.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A tree pruning sealant is a bandage of sorts meant to cover the wound. How does this \u201cbandage\u201d help a tree to heal? The packaging makes a few claims:<\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><strong>Aids<\/strong> in the healing of pruning cuts&nbsp;<\/li>    <li><strong>Minimizes<\/strong> sap loss&nbsp;<\/li>    <li><strong>Protects<\/strong> trees from decay, insects, and fungi<\/li> <\/ul>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It was an easy DIY project, and the product was (and still is) in stock at all garden and big box stores, so it became ingrained as a habit for homeowners.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">While good in theory, scientific research conducted by <a href=\"http:\/\/archive.lib.msu.edu\/tic\/mitgc\/article\/1986106.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Alex Shigo<\/a> of the U.S. Forest Service in the late 1970s explained that pruning cuts should not be painted. Rather, the tree should be left to heal through its own devices after you prune it.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">He emphasized the importance of following proper pruning practices. Let a fresh cut heal naturally instead of covering it with a wound sealer, he urged.<\/p>    <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"1-why-tree-sealant-isn%E2%80%99t-necessary\">Why Tree Sealant Isn\u2019t Necessary<\/h2>    <figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/tree-pruning-sealer.jpg\" alt=\"tree wound pruning blue sealer\" class=\"wp-image-101439\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/tree-pruning-sealer.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/tree-pruning-sealer-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/tree-pruning-sealer-646x430.jpg 646w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/tree-pruning-sealer-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/tree-pruning-sealer-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Photo Credit: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.shutterstock.com\/image-photo\/tree-wound-pruning-blue-sealer-1125421274?\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Shutterstock<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Later studies confirmed Shigo\u2019s work. Today\u2019s arborists are trained to consider pruning sealers bad industry practice because they make it harder for trees to recover after pruning.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It\u2019s important to understand that trees don\u2019t really heal after they have been damaged. Instead, they isolate damage through a process called compartmentalization.&nbsp;<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Callus tissue develops at the edge of the wound and gradually grows in toward the center. When trees are pruned correctly, this new growth eventually covers the pruning wounds, protecting the damaged trees.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">These <a href=\"https:\/\/s3.wp.wsu.edu\/uploads\/sites\/403\/2015\/03\/wound-sealer.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">sealant products<\/a> are typically petroleum-based, although some may contain asphalt \u2014 and actually trap moisture inside the tree wound, which may encourage more problems instead of preventing them.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Some products that exist tout natural ingredients such as collagen, pectin, or aloe vera. Unfortunately, there isn\u2019t any scientific proof that they benefit the tree, either.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The petroleum and asphalt-based wound dressings are known to:<\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li>Seal in moisture and decay<\/li>    <li>Sometimes serve as a food source for pathogens<\/li>    <li>Prevent wound wood from forming<\/li>    <li>Inhibit compartmentalization<\/li>    <li>Eventually crack, exposing the tree to pathogens<\/li> <\/ul>    <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"2-tree-sealant-impact-on-human-health\">Tree Sealant Impact on Human Health<\/h2>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Tree sealants are no fun for humans, either.&nbsp;<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">These products often contain a volatile combination of asphalt and solvent and some are considered <a href=\"https:\/\/images.homedepot-static.com\/catalog\/pdfImages\/5c\/5cd80e44-4756-4c6b-a4fa-22f5e693aed7.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">hazardous<\/a> by OSHA.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">According to the safety data sheet for one popular product, tree pruning sealers may:<\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li>Contain gas under pressure and may explode if heated<\/li>    <li>Cause serious eye irritation<\/li>    <li>Cause skin irritation<\/li>    <li>May cause genetic defects<\/li>    <li>May cause cancer<\/li> <\/ul>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For this product, the label advises users to wear skin and eye protection and store it in a cool, well-ventilated place.&nbsp;<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">So after learning those tidbits, it\u2019s a bit easier to see why you should stop using pruning sealer on your trees.<\/p>    <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"3-should-you-seal-pruned-limbs-at-all\">Should You Seal Pruned Limbs at All?<\/h2>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The short answer to this is no! You should not use pruning paint to seal pruned limbs at all. They are better left to undergo natural healing through their own plant defense mechanisms.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Plus, why would you want to put a product on your tree that can also be used to seal and waterproof rain gutters, roof flashings, wooden planters, the underside of a lawn mower deck, or even small sections of asphalt driveways?&nbsp;<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If something claims to be effective for these other outdoor uses, don\u2019t put it on a living tree. In my opinion, it\u2019s better to leave the tree be so it can \u201cfix\u201d itself.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Instead of sealing pruning wounds, it\u2019s better to implement prevention. You can minimize problems that may stem from pruning by following these tips:<\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><strong>Properly sterilize all pruning tools<\/strong> with a 70% isopropyl alcohol solution before and after using them. That applies regardless of the time of year you are pruning, or the type of tree you are working on.<\/li>    <li><strong>Control the spread of disease<\/strong> by properly disposing of all problematic limbs\/branches after pruning. Use only disease-free mulches or compost.<\/li>    <li><strong>Make clean, smooth cuts<\/strong>, making sure to not leave stubs, but keep the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pubs.ext.vt.edu\/430\/430-456\/430-456.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">branch collar<\/a> intact.<\/li>    <li><strong>Prune trees<\/strong><strong> at the proper time<\/strong>, preferably in the spring when they are still dormant and haven\u2019t started forming leaves. This makes them less susceptible to infestations or infections.<\/li> <\/ul>    <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"4-the-exception-oak-trees\">The Exception: Oak Trees<\/h2>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Oak trees in about 24 states, from the middle-Eastern states south through Texas, can suffer from <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/texas\/san-antonio-tx\/how-stop-oak-wilt-common-san-antonio-tree-diseases\/\">oak wilt<\/a>. The damage done can be both devastating and irreversible.&nbsp;<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The fungus that causes the disease spreads from tree to tree, carried by Nitidulid beetles attracted to the smell of the tree\u2019s sap. The insects will then move to another tree, laden with oak wilt fungus spores, and spread the disease. So quickly covering any pruned branches will cover that fresh-sap smell before the beetles come a-running.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cMost forms of paint work equally well, and there is no need for specialized rubberized or petroleum sealants,\u201d says Texas A&amp;M\u2019s Flocke.&nbsp;<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">He\u2019s stationed in Austin, Texas, where oak tree wilt is such a concern that pruning oaks is discouraged from February through June. \u201cThe wound paint is only necessary for the first two to four days after the cut has been made,\u201d Flocke says, \u201cso there is no need to reapply paint or to go out and paint old wounds.\u201d<\/p>    <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"5-how-to-remove-pruning-sealer\">How to Remove Pruning Sealer<\/h2>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">I\u2019m sure you\u2019re now asking yourself if using a pruning sealer has caused irreparable damage to your trees. You may also wonder if you should consider removing it. This isn\u2019t so easy to answer, and surprisingly, there isn\u2019t much discussion about it online.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">I recommend if your trees\u2019 pruning cuts had a tree sealer applied to them, remove it if possible. Due to the chemical composition of the sealer, you can\u2019t simply peel it off and throw it away, unfortunately.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Here is how to remove pruning sealer from your tree:<\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><strong>Make a new <\/strong><strong>pruning cut<\/strong><\/li>    <li><strong>Remove the paint, <\/strong>and create a new, open wound.<\/li> <\/ul>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Pro Tip:<\/strong> A new pruning cut wouldn\u2019t need to be made much below the old one. Perhaps a quarter to a half of an inch is good if there\u2019s enough wood to do that. Make sure it\u2019s a clean, straight cut and your tools are sterilized.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This new wound will trigger the tree to begin the process of compartmentalization, forming a new callus to protect the wound naturally.<\/p>    <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"6-faq\">FAQ<\/h2>    <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"7-what-is-the-best-time-of-year-to-prune-deciduous-trees\">What is the Best Time of Year to Prune Deciduous Trees?<\/h3>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Prune <em>healthy, deciduous tree branches<\/em> in <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/tree-care\/best-time-trim-prune-trees\/\">late fall to winter<\/a> in most cases. Prune <em>dead or dying branches<\/em> any time of year.<br><br>Why late fall to winter? During this time, deciduous trees have lost their leaves and are in a state of dormancy. This is ideal for two reasons:<br><br><strong>First:<\/strong> It\u2019s easier to see the form of the tree and to select the branches that need to be pruned.<br><strong>Second:<\/strong> Wound compartmentalization happens most quickly right <a href=\"https:\/\/www.extension.iastate.edu\/smallfarms\/properly-pruning-trees-during-winter-months#:~:text=Also%2C%20the%20walling%2Doff%20or%20compartmentalization%20of%20wounds%20occurs%20most%20rapidly%20just%20prior%20to%20the%20onset%20of%20growth%20in%20spring.\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">before new spring growth<\/a> appears.<\/p>    <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"8-should-i-use-a-pruning-sealer-on-oak-trees\">Should I Use a Pruning Sealer on Oak Trees?<\/h3>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">There\u2019s an exception to every rule, and oak trees are it. Oak trees in about 24 states can suffer from a fungus called oak wilt. When pruning, apply a tree sealant spray to each wound as soon as you make the cut so none are missed.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Note:<\/strong> Pruning paint for oak trees is also acceptable if you don\u2019t have a spray application. Always read the manufacturer\u2019s label for instructions on how to seal a tree wound.&nbsp;<\/p>    <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"9-what-should-i-do-after-pruning-my-tree\">What Should I Do After Pruning My Tree?<\/h3>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Water regularly as your trees will need plenty of water to help them heal. Aerate any compacted soil around the tree to promote air circulation and add fertilizer to encourage new growth.<\/p>    <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"10-hire-a-professional\">Hire a Professional<\/h2>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Pruning trees can be a daunting task, especially if you were inspired to plant an orchard. When in doubt, the best solution is to hire a <a href=\"https:\/\/quotes.lawnstarter.com\/near-me?service=tree+care\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">tree care professional<\/a> to handle the dirty work while you enjoy the shade.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Main image credits: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.publicdomainpictures.net\/en\/view-image.php?image=309494&amp;picture=cut-off-tree-stump-on-green-grass\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Lynn Greyling<\/a> \/ PublicDomainPictures \/ <a href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/publicdomain\/zero\/1.0\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">CC0 1.0<\/a><\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>For a long time, it was common practice to use a pruning sealer like tree tar when trimming trees \u2014 [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":52,"featured_media":49905,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[668],"tags":[1286],"class_list":["post-15835","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-tree-care","tag-tree-care"],"acf":[],"featured_image_src":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/rsz_cut-off-tree-stump-on-green-grass.jpg?wsr","author_info":{"display_name":"Amanda Shiffler","author_link":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/author\/amanda-shiffler\/"},"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.8 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Why Painting on Tree Pruning Sealer Is a Bad Idea<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"In years past, it was common to use a pruning sealer when trimming trees. Now homeowners are finding out why painting on tree pruning sealer is a bad idea.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/tree-care\/tree-pruning-sealer-bad-idea\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Why Painting on Tree Pruning Sealer Is a Bad Idea\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"In years past, it was common to use a pruning sealer when trimming trees. 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