Leyland Cypress

[DinaJean]

I have a whole row of Leylands, planted in April, all doing fine. Dear Hubby accidentally nicked one of them today with the weedwacker and the string wrapped the trunk and made a notch all the way around. He fears that the tree will die. It did not bend the trunk, but it did remove the bark in a thin line all the way around. A friend mentioned to me today a similar thing happened while he was growing up and his Mom wrapped a gauze bandage around it and it survived. Is there anything I can do to help heal the wound on this young tree? Any suggestions are greatly appreciated!

Dina :)

[Newt]

Hi DinaJean,

So sorry it's taken so long to get back to you.* We've been involved in major renovations at the house and there just doesn't seem to be enough hours in the day for me to do everything.* :?*

These days it's not recommended to cover a wound in the bark of a tree as it can give a place for insects and diseases to hide and grow.* Different trees compartementalize wounds at different rates.* Some do better then others.* Unfortunately the list I have does not list the Leyland cypress aka Cupressocyparis leylandii or any of the cypress trees.* Here's the list if you'd like to keep it for future reference.* :)
http://hort.ufl.edu/woody/compartmentalization.html

I would suggest a ring of mulch around any trees or shrubs where your hubby is likely to use his 'toys'.* ;)
http://www.treesaregood.com/treecare/mulching.aspx

Newt