Repairing Branch On "Rose of Sharron" Tree?

Question:

How do you repair the branch after bugs have made a home in it. The branch is still alive but it is falling, I've tied it up. Will it self mend or is there a glue out there?

Hardiness Zone: 4b

Jennifer from Toronto

Answer:

Hi Jennifer,

There are glues and waxes available for repairing damaged tree branches, but since you already know that you have had an insect infestation, you are probably better off simply removing the diseased branch. Because the branch has suffered a deep enough split to start falling, tying it up is probably only prolonging the inevitable-the death of the branch. By removing it, you'll help prevent the spread of further insect damage as well as reduce the chance of fungal disease.

Depending on its circumference, you can probably get by with using a small hand saw to remove the branch. Make cuts both above and below on the damaged branch and gradually saw toward the center from each side until the cuts meet. This will help prevent further splitting. Cut the branch off at an angle.

If it's a large branch, you may want to reduce the height of the top of the tree a bit to help the tree channel some of its energy into new shoots. You may also find that pruning things down helps balance out the look of the tree. Of course, that is something only you can decide.

The Rose of Sharon is a tough tree. Don't be afraid of losing a few branches here and there. They don't normally require too much pruning, but they certainly tolerate it well when necessary.

Ellen