Botched crabapple pruning

CrankyYankee · 18 February

I finally made it out to my little crabapple tree to do some pruning, and I've failed miserably. There was a spot where two branches, each about an inch in diameter, crossed coming out of the trunk. Since they were half way up the trunk I decided to take both branches. After I pruned the branches I thought the stump was too long, so I tried to cut closer to the trunk and I split the bark. My loppers were not as sharp as they should have been, and I'm kicking myself for not using another set that I'd sharpened back in the autumn. Is there anything I can do to prevent disease from getting in, or have I botched this beyond all help?

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ViewAhead · 18 February

Would a saw help just to neaten off the stump? Other than that, I think there's not much you can do except wait and see. You may get lucky and find there is no problem with the wound healing over.

Fire · 18 February

Where I had accidents like this with my apple specialist grafting tape has been recommended to me. I can't speak to the efficacy but it might be worth a go.

Image: https://us.v-cdn.net/6030279/uploads/editor/jw/05s35b9exizp.jpg

CrankyYankee · 18 February

I'd have to order the tape online - I haven't found any locally. I can get a spray to put over the area to seal it, is that advisable?

I'll also follow ViewAhead's advice and neaten up the area with my folding saw.

punkdoc · 18 February

Accepted wisdom is not to cover any wounds in trees, as this will seal in any infection producing organisms.
When I cause this sort of damage I have always left them uncovered. It also what my tree surgeon recommends.

Botched crabapple pruning

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