[VoodooChile]

Birch and Maple trees weep heavily when pruned in late winter and spring. Conventional wisdom says this is bad for the tree. It certainly looks bad.

Does anyone know of research showing weeping pruning wounds damage the tree?

I've posted a poll to see how weeping wounds impact your practice.

Thanks!

[Fine Edge]

If I'm going to prune a tree and make it weep to where it was very noticeable, odds are that the client really didn't care what the final outcome was going to be. Most of the times it would be a situation where several branches were damaged, rotten, leaning against the house, etc.. and we both come to the agreement that if it really hurts the tree, I'll cut it down.

[TrickyDick]

Your poll didn't have my answer, which is....avoid weeping wounds if possible cause it looks bad but don't be afraid to do neccesary pruning because of it.

Everything I've learned leads me to believe it is more cosmetic than anything else.

[dan deutekom]

Originally Posted by TrickyDick

Your poll didn't have my answer, which is....avoid weeping wounds if possible cause it looks bad but don't be afraid to do neccesary pruning because of it.

Everything I've learned leads me to believe it is more cosmetic than anything else.

Same with me

[Tucson Landscap]

We get some mesquite trees that drip sap after pruning. As a certified arborist, I only prune when necessary for the health of the tree or when it creates a danger. We leave the wound alone and let the tree heal it. Wrapping it or painting it is not considered a good practice.