The Care of a Wound on an Olive Tree Trunk

An olive tree is surprisingly adept at taking care of its own wounds. When left to its own devises, the tree isolates the damaged area from the rest of the tree's system by forming calloused tissue. While this tissue forms, the olive tree produces chemicals that repel fungal and insect invasions. The best thing you can do to heal a wound in a healthy olive tree is to clean it and leave it to its own devises. However, if your olive tree is currently fighting off a fungal or insect infestation, consider treating the wound to protect the olive tree from further harm.

Isopropyl alcohol
Pruning saw

Instructions

- 1
  Wipe your pruning saw blade with a cloth moistened with isopropyl rubbing alcohol. The wound is highly susceptible to infection by any pathogens that may be transferred from the pruning saw.
- 2
  Saw off any jagged bark or frayed wood around the pruning wound. Remove a minimal amount of trunk tissue to leave the wound as smooth as possible.
- 3
  Treat the wound that has an active insect or fungal infestation with an insecticide or fungicide. Coat the wound with a thin layer of the product prescribed for the type of infestation your tree is suffering from. Follow the label's instructions for application methods and amounts. Only use insecticides or fungicides during the spring and summer months when the tree is actively growing. If the wound occurs in winter or fall, there is no need to treat at all.

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