Several trees were damaged by construction equipment. The damage is torn off bark at the flare of the tree trunks. Is there anything other than removing the loose bark that I can do to help these recover such as covering them with leaves, etc.

Reply to post by Matt M, on July 30, 2002 at 16:52:32:

Leaves may do more harm than good, trapping moisture and spores together. Undoing soil compaction also has to be a priority, see www.isa-arbor.com/consumer/treatment.htm

Sealing big wounds at the flare would be experimental, since no scientific research supports it. Then again, none that I know of refutes it either.

Some arborists experiment with applying a shellac-based sealant with fungicide (eucalyptus oil, etc.) mixed in or applied ahead of time. Some advise to let nature take its course even if heartrot and premature death are near certain. You'll have to decide for yourself.

Either way, the eqpt. operator, and those who allowed the eqpt. that near, reduced the value of the tree and should pay for it.