“Will broken branches kill a tree?” This question probably passed your mind as you gazed at the languishing limb hanging from your majestic backyard tree. It’s a pertinent concern, especially when you consider the intricate, delicate balance of life in our arboreal friends.
As the go-to tree-trimming experts in Knoxville and the rest of the Volunteer State, we know a thing or two about arboreal care. Keep reading as we break down the nitty-gritty details and help you make informed decisions for your living landscape.
How Much Damage Did Your Tree Sustain?
The fate of your tree largely hinges on the extent of damage. A few small broken branches don’t usually mean a death sentence. These organisms have an innate ability to seal off damaged areas, a process known as compartmentalization, allowing them to continue their metabolic functions relatively unhindered.
A tree stripped bare or severely mangled canopy reveals a different story. This type of severe trauma threatens the plant’s survival and disrupts its ability to photosynthesize and receive necessary nutrients.
What To Do Next
So, will broken branches kill a tree? It’s usually unlikely, but you can certainly take steps to prevent further damage and promote recovery. Trimming off the damage is the first thing you’d want to do to:
- Make the surrounding space safer: A rogue tree branch becomes a disaster waiting to happen; it poses a significant risk to people, pets, and property. Why wait for a nasty surprise when a simple cut could avert this perilous scenario?
- Restore your tree’s beauty: Does your tree look more like a horror movie prop than the picturesque focal point of your landscape? Pruning removes those unsightly limbs and, when done strategically, encourages the tree to grow the way you want.
- Encourage faster healing: The jagged edges of broken branches serve as an open invitation to disease and pest infestation. If you cut them with a sharp tool, you create a clean, smooth surface that’s easier to heal.
Can You Repair Broken Branches?
Yes, minor damage may prove fixable. Consider using grafting tape for smaller branches; they act like Band-Aids for trees. Wrap the break tightly, and nature will do the rest.
For heftier branches, a makeshift crutch can help. Sandwich the tree and branch with twine and support it with 2x4s. Tying the branch to a healthy limb provides additional support.
Remember, the healing process can take time, sometimes even years. While not a quick fix, if you really like the look of that particular branch, your patience just might pay off.
Consult a Local Tree Service
Will broken branches kill a tree? The last thing you want is to damage your tree due to misguided attempts at self-repair. Leave the heavy lifting to our crew at Pro Tree of Knoxville instead.
Call (865)-294-0062 and give your specimen the proper care it needs—we also provide tree removal when necessary.
Explore our blog and learn what to do to a tree with hanging branches!