Home Garden

How to Mend a Split Japanese Maple

Japanese Maple trees are considered a popular choice for landscapes. The tree has beautiful foliage and comes in a variety of shapes and sizes. Unfortunately, this tree is susceptible to damage during winter storms. Ice and snow weigh the delicate branches down and ultimately cause limb breakage and splitting in the bark. The tree can be saved if the damage is observed and addressed quickly.

Things You'll Need

  • Aerosol air duster
  • Zip ties
  • Drill
  • Stainless steel bolt
  • 2 washers
  • Hack saw or bolt cutter
  • Grafting wax
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Instructions

    • 1

      Use an aerosol air duster to blow out any dirt, needles or other foreign matter from the area where the bark is split.

    • 2

      Push the branches together until the split is closed. Place a zip tie around damaged bark to keep the split closed.

    • 3

      Drill a hole all the way through the bark. Make the hole perpendicular to where the split has occurred.

    • 4

      Push the stainless steel bolt through the hole. Fasten each side of the bolt with a washer.

    • 5

      Trim off the excess bolt sticking out beyond the washers with a hacksaw or bolt cutter.

    • 6

      Remove the zip tie after one growing season has passed.