Removal of horse shoe from Cherry Blossom Tree

[roberthill83]

Hi All,

 

I was hoping to get some advice. I was told last year when having my cherry blossom cut back that the horse shoe that the previous owners had put around one of the branches was now severley cutting into the tree and could one day kill off the tree or at leats kill off that branch. This morning, I set about getting the horse shoe out as I love the tree and it would look terirble if this branch had to be removed.

After hacking at it and finally getting the horse shoe off, I now fear that I may have been a bit too hasty. I have uploaded pictures of the tree and the damage. A good part pf the bark has been removed- is this likely to bring on disease? Also- with this chunk missing, will the tree need strengthening?

 

I know nothing about trees and in hindsight probably should have left it....

 

any help would be appreciated.

 

http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j403/dfringe/DSC_0474.jpg

http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j403/dfringe/DSC_0473.jpg

http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j403/dfringe/DSC_0472.jpg

[roberthill83]

sorry- if posted in the wrong forum.. As I had pictures then I thought it would be best here.

[sloth]

More harm than good removing it id have said. Little point trying to strengthen it either, just let nature take its course; it may well bridge the gap and callous over ie. It will strengthen itself.

[Tommy_B]

It doesn't seem awful. I've seen a lot worse. Is there a lot of end weight on the branch?

[tommer9]

It should be fine.

[roberthill83]

There is a fair bit of weight but not so much that it appears in any way under pressure. Its has now all dried up and doesn't look as bad. Should i be treating the damage with insecticide or anything else?

 

thanks for all your advice.

[David Goss]

There is a fair bit of weight but not so much that it appears in any way under pressure. Its has now all dried up and doesn't look as bad. Should i be treating the damage with insecticide or anything else?

 

thanks for all your advice.

 

I wouldnt put anything on it. I may however clean up the rough bits carefully with a knife to give it a better chance of healing over but other than that it doesnt look too bad, just keep an eye on it. Time will tell