Q: I had some lower branches trimmed from my ponderosa pine in December. How long will it take for the sap to quit flowing?
A: Sap flowing from a tree wound is part of its defense system . The sap flow will continue until the vessels clog and the tree seals the wound. There is no need for anything to be applied. Applying something to the wound is not good for the tree. It used to be a common practice to paint pruning wounds but it turns out trees do a better job of sealing their own wounds and the paint sometimes hinders that process.
Peter L. Warren is the Forest Health Program Coordinator for the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management. Questions, photos and videos may be emailed to tucsongardensage@gmail.com
