Storm damaged tree - Ask Extension
Recent storm broke half of mature hardwood tree.. should
damaged areas on the still standing trunks and branches be treated
Be treated or left to he...
Knowledgebase
Storm damaged tree #935386
Asked June 13, 2026, 5:40 PM EDT
Recent storm broke half of mature hardwood tree.. should
damaged areas on the still standing trunks and branches be treated
Be treated or left to heal?
Washtenaw County Michigan
Expert Response
Hello
Only oaks should be painted with latex water based paint to seal wounds. This must be done as soon as possible, typically within minutes of the wound being exposed, during the season when insects transmit oak wilt(only on oaks). That season is April 15 through July 15; and to be sure beetles are not active later, seal any wounds up to October 15.
So, by now your tree ,if it is an oak, has been exposed.
On other tree species, no, do not seal the wounds with anything. The break can be properly cut back to the branch collar( but do not cut into the branch collar) or back to the next part of the branch where another section branches off. If the branch is too high to reach while safely standing on the ground we recommend you hire a professional to prune the tree.
Studies have repeatedly shown that trees enclose the wounded area more quickly when left unsealed. However, this process takes several years. Sealing also risks trapping fungi and rot inside the tree.
Pruning correctly-
https://isuaamncus122stg.blob.core.windows.net/shop/SUL5.pdf?sv=2020-12-06&sr=b&sig=IH1iv5oD2c0OQwZdfYDPhO0i5ycleHI%2FTJabVCGI29I%3D&se=2026-06-13T23%3A43%3A48Z&sp=r&rscd=attachment%3B%20filename%3DSUL5.pdf
Oak wilt prevention-
https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/stop_pruning_oak_trees_now_to_avoid_oak_wilt_1
Only oaks should be painted with latex water based paint to seal wounds. This must be done as soon as possible, typically within minutes of the wound being exposed, during the season when insects transmit oak wilt(only on oaks). That season is April 15 through July 15; and to be sure beetles are not active later, seal any wounds up to October 15.
So, by now your tree ,if it is an oak, has been exposed.
On other tree species, no, do not seal the wounds with anything. The break can be properly cut back to the branch collar( but do not cut into the branch collar) or back to the next part of the branch where another section branches off. If the branch is too high to reach while safely standing on the ground we recommend you hire a professional to prune the tree.
Studies have repeatedly shown that trees enclose the wounded area more quickly when left unsealed. However, this process takes several years. Sealing also risks trapping fungi and rot inside the tree.
Pruning correctly-
https://isuaamncus122stg.blob.core.windows.net/shop/SUL5.pdf?sv=2020-12-06&sr=b&sig=IH1iv5oD2c0OQwZdfYDPhO0i5ycleHI%2FTJabVCGI29I%3D&se=2026-06-13T23%3A43%3A48Z&sp=r&rscd=attachment%3B%20filename%3DSUL5.pdf
Oak wilt prevention-
https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/stop_pruning_oak_trees_now_to_avoid_oak_wilt_1
