Is this normal healing?

[aredsfan]

I trimmed this mugo back in the summer with pruning shears, I dont have knob cutters yet. Is this white substance normal or is it a fungus of some sort? andy

 

[Vance Wood]

It's normal, it's sap ooze.

 

[aredsfan]

Thanks Vance, also if you notice the bark appears to be pealing. Does mugo's have exfoliating bark?

 

[Vance Wood]

Thanks Vance, also if you notice the bark appears to be pealing. Does mugo's have exfoliating bark?

Yes and no. They start producing scales at about ten years of age depending on the variety. If you can keep from knocking these scales off through handling and wiring they will thicken and add to the character of the bark though this is difficult to achieve. They are very fragile and are easily broken loose. In time a Mugo will produce a nice bark.