Question From: J. Ferlins - NEW HAMPSHIRE
Q: Location is south central NH. Birches are bleeding heavily from places branches were snipped off in early March. Should I apply pruning sealer? Cuts are very wet. What fertilizer should I use? Soil is heavily clay and somewhat acidic. Should I water heavily to compensate for loss of sap? Thanks, John
A:
John, Do not use any type of sealer, research shows it actually slows healing. Hopefully your trees are mulched with an organic material such as wood chips. Fertilizing them will only stimulate growth. Keeping the soil around them moist will certainly help, but overwatering will drown them. In fall fertilize them with Espoma Tree Tone according to package directions. Best And Happy Yardening, Nancy.
