One oft-shared piece of pruning advice is that covering a newly pruned area with tar, paint or varnish can inhibit the fungal organisms that will get into the new cut, leading to a diseased tree, shrub or plant. This myth has been circulating for some time, according to the experts at Fine Gardening. Unfortunately, there is no surefire way to prevent microscopic organisms from infiltrating a new cut. The application of a wound dressing may even contribute to faster decay of heartwood. That’s because the tar or paint will keep moisture in the new cut, which helps fungus and other microorganisms grow. Instead of dressing wounds, read up on proper ways to prune and let plants employ their own natural defenses to heal and prevent decay.
Creative uses for fallen leaves
Millions of leaves fall from tree boughs each fall. Homeowners and landscaping professionals will spend countless hours...
