Tree wax is a special agent that is applied to the wounds in the wood or plant tissue after the tree has been pruned or plants have been grafted. The product is designed to prevent the entry of fungi and other pathogens.
Tree wax protects cuts from bacteria and viruses
Our recommendations
our recommendation
Neudorff 801 Lauril tree wax, 250 g
9.50 EUR To the product| ingredients | natural resins and waxes |
|---|---|
| structure | firm but elastic |
| processing temperature | between 5 and 30 °C |
| use | Refinement, wound closure, wound treatment |
| pack size | 250 grams (others available) |
Neudorff's Lauril Tree Wax (€12.96) is specially recommended for grafting work and for wound treatment and wound closure after pruning on trees, shrubs and other woody plants. The plant strengthener, which is also approved for non-professional users, is mostly very well received in the customer reviews on Amazon. Users report that it is easy to use and very successful even in more difficult cases, such as a game browsing.
There is also a note that this product should ideally be applied in a thickness of two to three millimeters, otherwise it will be too heavy and fall off due to its own weight.
our recommendation
Compo Lac Balsam, wound closure agent for the treatment of ornamental and fruit trees, 1 kg
15.53 EUR To the product| ingredients | artificial bark made of highly filled polymer dispersion |
|---|---|
| structure | elastic, easy to spread, non-drip |
| processing temperature | at any time, except in frost and rain |
| use | for trees (utility and ornamental trees) with larger wounds |
| pack size | 1 kilogram (others available) |
The over-the-counter Lac Balsam from Compo is a proven, bark-colored wound sealant for the treatment of cuts and grafting cuts on trees as well as on ornamental and fruit trees. According to the numerous reviews from users on Amazon, the elastic paste is easy to spread, easy to work with and dries quickly. The balm covers well, forms an elastic film over the wound and is hardly visible due to its bark-like colour. Always apply the product about two centimeters above the edge of the wound, as this promotes natural overflow and thus wound healing.
our recommendation
Substral Naturen Organic Wound Balm - 150 g
5.99 EUR To the product| ingredients | natural resin, wax and natural oils |
|---|---|
| structure | elastic |
| processing temperature | applicable down to minus 5 °C |
| use | for fruit and ornamental trees |
| pack size | 150 grams (more available) |
The organic quality wound balm from Substral Naturen prevents wounds on fruit and ornamental trees from drying out. In addition, the agent promotes natural wound healing by overflowing the interfaces. After being applied to the cut, this tree wax forms an elastic film that protects the area from harmful external influences, such as the penetration of pathogens or pests. The product is made from natural raw materials and is therefore particularly plant-friendly. Application is easy with the brush integrated in the tube. The majority of users of the wound balm are very positive in their Amazon reviews.
Purchase Criteria
scope of application
As a rule, tree wax products are used outdoors, primarily for the treatment of cuts on trees and fruit and ornamental trees. Indoor plants usually do not need to be treated with tree wax. There are some exceptions (e.g. when a Yucca elephantipes is to be shortened). Otherwise, ordinary potted plants do not need such treatment. The plants close their cuts by themselves with the escaping plant sap.
ingredients
Made from natural ingredients, tree wax contains resins, wax and organic oils. These products are similar in composition and structure to natural tree resins and are therefore usually better tolerated. Tree tar is also a natural wound sealant. There are also tree resins that are composed of artificial ingredients. These often contain additional fungicides that are intended to render invading fungi harmless as soon as they enter the wound.
pack size
The size of the pack depends, of course, on the product selected and on the number and size of the cuts that are expected to be treated. In principle, you do not need large quantities, especially if only the apple tree in the garden is to be pruned and cared for. Sprays are particularly economical to use. Special tubes with an integrated brush make application easier.
workability
Tree wax can be solid (but elastic) or liquid. In principle, solid wax is easier to work with because it is easier to spread into cracks and depressions and does not drip. You only have to spray the spray on, but the wound protection agent runs quickly and drips down. It is therefore primarily suitable for well-smoothed and even wound surfaces that do not have to be closed tightly.
color
Many products come in bark-like brown tones so that the treatment with tree wax is not as noticeable.
youtubefrequently asked Questions
How do you soften hard wax?
When the wax has hardened, gently warm it while stirring continuously. You don't need a lot of heat for this. After all, the wax only needs to be soft, but not liquid - liquid tree wax is difficult to apply because it runs too quickly before it hardens and does not cover the wound.
Does sun exposure soften the wax?
Since it is a resin (and not a wax, despite the product name saying otherwise), exposure to the sun has no effect on the structure of the tree wax. Once applied to the wound, it stays there.
How do you apply tree wax?
Tree wax may only be used on dry (apart from the plant's own liquid), clean and as smooth as possible surfaces. Smooth and clean the wound before spreading, being careful not to touch it with bare fingers or dirty gardening gloves! In addition, pruning measures and the application of tree wax should only be carried out in dry weather.
Does tree wax also help with deer browsing?
Deer in particular like to eat the bark off trees. If this is not completely severed, but only eaten, you can close the game bite with tree wax. However, the wounds should not be too deep, otherwise the wax will become too heavy, fall off and thus cannot serve its purpose.
Is application of tree wax necessary?
That depends who you ask. In the past, tree wax was considered indispensable for pruning or grafting, but today it is seen as more harmful. However, when used correctly (i.e. on clean and dry surfaces), application can prevent fungal infection and subsequent loss of the plant.
Are there alternatives to tree wax?
Candle wax (from beeswax candles!) is suitable for covering cuts. However, the remedy is unsuitable for bark injuries. Clay packs, tree tar, charcoal (powder) or dispersion paint are also suitable. Many a gardener swears by a mixture of cow manure and clay applied as a pack. However, due to the smell, this takes some getting used to.
How to remove tree wax from clothes?
When pruning trees, tree resin can escape and leave unsightly stains on clothing. The best way to remove this is with cooking oil: simply dribble it on, leave it to work and wash it out. You can also get tree wax out of hair or remove it from car paint in the same way.
equipment
pruning shears
A pair of pruning shears is indispensable for cutting work and ornamental trees in the garden. With so-called anvil scissors, you can cut hard and dead wood cleanly and smoothly. For branch diameters between 2.5 and 5 centimeters.
our recommendation
WOLF-Garten - Anvil pruning shears »Premium Plus« POWER CUT*** RS 900 T; 73AGA009650
EUR 84.00 To the productpruning saws
For thicker branches from about five centimeters in diameter, however, the pruning shears are no longer sufficient, a special pruning saw is required here. This should have a curved saw blade for more effective sawing and also create the smoothest possible cutting surfaces - this makes it harder for pathogens to penetrate.
our recommendation
WOLF-Garten multi-star - professional pruning saw - Power Cut SAW PRO 370, incl. branch hook & bark scarifier
27.99 EUR To the productgardening knife
You need a gardening knife to cut out tree wounds and to smooth them. Also known as a gardener's hip, this tool with the characteristically curved blade can also be used for finishing work (e.g. budding). If you want to graft plants more often, it is best to buy special grafting knives.
our recommendation