Pruning – Spartanburg tree trimming – call it what you will. No matter its name, we love talking about how and why to prune Spartanburg trees at Davey!

The benefits of pruning Spartanburg trees seem endless. Pruning creates stronger, healthier trees, which reduces the risk of Spartanburg trees damaging your property. So, you’ll have less damage and cleanup after storms.

Plus, pruning makes your Spartanburg tree look better – and results in a larger harvest from fruit trees! Now that’s a delicious reason to prune your trees.

Once your Spartanburg tree is pruned, though, should you use pruning sealer on cuts close to the trunk?

Our reader Terri F., recently asked this question after “trimming some lower branches off a sycamore tree.”

Before we delve into whether you should use a pruning sealer on your trees, let’s cover the basics.

What Is a Pruning Sealer?

Pruning sealers, also called pruning paint, are products that claim to “aid the healing of pruning cuts” or “minimize sap loss.”

Most often, these products are petroleum-based, but some even contain asphalt.  Alternatively, there are natural Spartanburg tree sealers with ingredients like collagen and aloe gel.

Should I Use Pruning Sealer on Trees? If So, When Do I Use Tree Sealer?

No – you should not use pruning sealers after pruning your Spartanburg trees or shrubs.

In fact, research from the University of Arizona, found pruning sealers actually obstruct trees’ natural healing power. Yes, you read that correctly! Tree pruning sealers are bad for your Spartanburg trees because it makes harder for your Spartanburg tree to heal.

Plus, pruning sealers may trap moisture in the tree, which can encourage wood decay or fungi.

While we need Band-Aids to reduce blood loss and help our wounds heal, Spartanburg trees simply recover differently than us.

How Trees Recover After Pruning

After pruning, Spartanburg trees grow new wood, which covers the pruning wound, and prevents the invasion of diseases or bugs. 

Trees know how to recover from pruning wounds all on their own.

There you have it! Thanks again to Terri F. for submitting this question.

Comment below with your own Spartanburg tree question. We’ll have an answer for you in a flash!