Growing trunks healing scars

[Maros]

I have found that growth DIRECTLY below a big scar can help a little... If you have a big cut with a branch just above AND just below it, you get a little more swelling at the bottom of the scar and the movement of sap from the lower branch to the top seems to help cover the hole a little faster. Just my experience...

Eric, I agree here with you that branch just on the lower edge of the cut could be beneficial just as you describe.

It looks like it's not died back much. You could do a diagonal cut like Brian said, but fold the existing living cambium and bark over the wound and hold it there where it will hopefully heal over much more quickly. This requires some carving and delicate surgery.

http://ofbonsai.org/techniques/styles-and-styling/the-van-meer-technique

Peter, have you ever done it yourself with success? I'm just curious if it works, since I have not seen any follow up pictures of the process.

 

[peterbone]

Peter, have you ever done it yourself with success? I'm just curious if it works, since I have not seen any follow up pictures of the process.

No, I have to admit that I haven't had a chance yet. I'd like to see more results from this method as well. The method is also mentioned in John Naka's book for removing large branches. Go to slide 66. Does anyone know what he means with the word 'pitch' in this context? Edit: I think he means the resin.

http://www.slideshare.net/xiamujahid/bonsai-technique-vol1-by-john-yoshio-naka

 

[RichKid]

I've see that Van Meer technique before pbone. I thought it was interesting but it's a little above my pay grade at this moment. I feel pretty confident in some of my horticultural skills but at this point I just want to let these trees grow and heal naturally. Not that that's unnatural. They're relatively young and they have plenty of time to self heal.

 

[RichKid]

Thanks for all the replies by the way.