Organic Answers Column – November 2, 2022 – Tree Trunk Goop

Tree Trunk Goop

When pruning cuts are made on trees, I usually don’t recommend pruning paint or wound dressing. There is considerable research and data showing that this procedure is more detrimental than helpful. Pruning cuts usually heal faster and more correctly if cuts are left exposed to the air to heal naturally. However when tree trunks or limbs are damaged by equipment, animals or other factors, I do recommend using what I call Tree Trunk Goop.

The extent of damage here requires tree trunk goop

I have recommended a couple of different formulas in the past. The first was equal amounts of diatomaceous earth, soft rock phosphate and compost mixer with water to make a thick slurry. Slather this wet mix onto scrapes, cuts, borer holes, ripped places by animals or other injuries on trunks or limbs. Reapply if washed off by rain or irrigation. In the soil, the mix makes a good organic fertilizer. Fireplace ashes can be used if soft rock phosphate isn’t available.

The second formula was similar but used equal amounts of compost and Azomite. In both formulas, fine textured, high quality compost works best. This worked well but didn’t hold onto the tree well and had to be applied more often.

The most current formula is the best so far. It is equal amounts of good compost, Azomite and kaolin clay – with water added, of course. Kaolin clay is available in a commercial product as Surround WP and others. The kaolin clay helps hold the materials on the damaged area longer and is thus more effective.

Tree trunk goop dried in place

Minor wounds and wounds going only partially around tree trunks heal easily with this procedure. Trees totally girdled are more difficult to save. I didn’t think it was possible before, but now I do. For total girdling, burlap needs to be soaked in the Tree Trunk Goop and then wrapped all the way around the damaged trunk. Tin foil and/or plastic can be wrapped around the burlap to help hold the moisture in the mixture. Some arborists like to use roofing felt as a wrap.

Surround WP is 95% Kaolin Clay

I still don’t recommend wound dressings such as tar and black paint products because they do more damage than good. But the Tree Trunk Goop mixture is different. It feeds the tree through the wounded area and helps damaged places heal quickly and thoroughly.

If normal wound dressing must be used, for whatever reason, the product called Lac Balsam is the best on the market. It stays soft and resilient and allows at least some air to reach the wound.