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Storm damage to tree

monica5BGywCPUmonica5BGywCPU Posts: 5
in The potting shed
After the high winds last night we found that a very large branch from our magnolia grandiflora has been brought down.  It's split away from the main trunk and pulled a lot of the bark with it.
We are wondering what to do.  Whether to cut if off at the bottom of the split nearest the trunk or whether to cut it further up and fold the bark back and strap it back onto the main trunk.  It seems that would sealant is not recommended these days because it can trap in moisture and lead to decay, so I wonder if strapping the bark back will also do the same thing. 
It was too dark before we left for work to take a photo, but can do so later if that would help.  Any suggestions would be most gratefully received.  Should have had it pruned ages ago, but it's very easy to be wise after the event... 

Posts

  • monica5BGywCPUmonica5BGywCPU Posts: 5
    Just seen my typing mistake above.  I meant of course "wound sealant"...

  • KT53KT53 Posts: 9,016
    I would cut the broken branch off a foot or above the tear and then strap the stump back to the main stem as you suggested.  It may fuse back together.
  • Joyce GoldenlilyJoyce Goldenlily Posts: 2,933
    It is possible to repair the damage if you can make a Y shaped support of timber to go under the broken branch and hammered securely into the ground, lifting and holding the broken branch against the main trunk of the magnolia. First use a wide tape, I used gaffa tape as an emergency,  wrapped around the split to hold it against the trunk. It will take a few years to heal together but it does work. I used that method with a witchazel that a neighbour's tree fell onto. One of the main branches was pulled away from the trunk but some of the bark was still attached. I left it for 4-5 years before removing the support and tape and the damage hardly showed.
    Or you could remove the branch and any splinters of wood to tidy the area up.
  • monica5BGywCPUmonica5BGywCPU Posts: 5
    Many thanks for your comments.  A quick update - when we arrived home on Monday night the situation had changed somewhat, since the fallen branch had completely detached itself from the tree...  We have decided to leave the trunk as it is and hope that it heals over by itself.  We have chopped up all the fallen branch and leaves and I have taken about 20 cuttings, which I have put in compost and hope that one at least might root.  Wrong time of the year etc. but I thought it's worth a try and I hate throwing everything away!
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