38 
EASTERN SHADE TREE CONFERENCE 
the larger more slowly healing wounds which give the most trouble. 
Hence, special attention should be given to the protective dressing of all 
but the smallest wounds. 
No one type of wound dressing appears to be perfect for this purpose. 
Each has its own good and weak points. Asphalt paints made especi¬ 
ally for tree work, or similar products used in roofing, are probably the 
most used and most popular type of dressing. They adhere well. They 
do not kill back the cambium. They promote callus growth by keeping 
the margin of the wound from drying out. They give less protection 
to the wood than do the dressings described subsequently. Zeller’s 
Bordeaux paint is another excellent dressing. Unlike the asphalt 
paints, which are procurable at most paint and hardware stores, this 
material will have to be made when required. This is easily done by 
stirring together equal parts by weight of raw linseed oil and commercial 
Bordeaux powder. When first mixed the product should be thick. 
After standing an hour or two it thins to a heavy creamy paint. It is 
best not to mix more than will be needed for the day’s work. When 
used it should be applied generously and not brushed thin. The prin¬ 
cipal disadvantage of this material is that it does not adhere well to wet 
wood. Callus develops less satisfactorily beneath a coating of Bor¬ 
deaux paint than under asphalt paint. Bordeaux paint is, however, 
considered by the writer as more effective than asphalt in protecting the 
wood from attack by fungi. Creosote and tar mixtures containing 
creosote represent another type of wound dressing designed to preserve 
the wood. When using such material care should be exercised to keep 
it away from the margin of the cut as it is sometimes injurious to the 
living tissue of that region. If such injury is feared, the margin can be 
protected with a ring of shellac or some similar substance before applying 
the creosote. Regardless of what dressing is used the work should be 
periodically inspected and the wound repainted when necessary. 
As related to the repair of storm-damaged shade trees and not to the 
problem of salvage in the forest, the rush of the first clean up is slacken¬ 
ing. Most of the fallen debris and the more dangerous trees and 
branches have been cared for. This is the season which is normally 
the slack period. If you have been unable to get help during the past 
several months you are in a far better position to get it now. Periods 
of mild weather may be utilized for this work. With the coming of 
spring commercial tree experts will once again be faced with the rush of 
spraying and extensive feeding. Those who are still unable to get serv- 
