How to Repair a Damaged Tree or Broken Branches | Green Giant Update

Ever wonder if it's possible to repair a damaged tree trunk or broken branches on your landscape plants or fruit trees after a storm, deer damage, etc? It's more than possible, in fact, it's very easy to do as long as there is some intact cambium or bark on the tree that can continue to transport nutrients. And then, after we learn how to repair the damaged tree, I'll show you an update of how large the green giant arborvitae have grown this past summer.
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[@vonries]

I know I've said it before, but I really appreciate the fact that you show us the process over time actually do something. It's good to see the healing done. It doesn't matter if you are rooting cuttings or healing a broken top, you show us the outcome, not just the process. Thank You!

[@MikeKincaid79]

It's self preservation on KZbin. This way, no one can come back to me and say it doesn't work, lol.

[@vonries]

@@MikeKincaid79 You have more faith in people then I do. I bet good money that you still get those comments, even if unfounded. You know it works and so do the people who follow your instructions(like me). However I'm betting you still get those comments that claim otherwise. Just keep teaching us and maybe they'll learn, and hopefully I'll get better at it along the way. Keep healthy, and my best to your beautiful family.

[@bonniemccormack1361]

same here, really helps you to trust the process

[@misskim2058]

I second that!

[@Adrian-cw8yu]

@@MikeKincaid79 Can we get an update video a year on? to see how strong and thick if broken limbs have got or if they have failed.

[@victorialg1270]

Mike thank you for teaching us how to be better stewards of our trees.

[@patriciau6277]

Mike, I love your Channel because you show people that you don’t have to be afraid of really understanding and handling your plants. Get in there and just do it. Wonderful keep up the good work❤

[@MikeKincaid79]

That's exactly it Patricia! You hit the nail on the head.

[@blonderaider4281]

I ran over my weeping willow tree with my truck. I followed your instructions. And my young tree is healing nicely. I wrapped it back up for about month longer. Thank you for this video

[@greenthumbelina7331]

Mike, I didn't know it was possible to repair a broken leader on a tree! I loved this video thanks for the great content and for showing us how to do this! I hope you and your family are enjoying the weekend! ~Margie 🤗🌲🦌

[@MikeKincaid79]

It's my youngest daughter's 12th birthday today so we're headed to the bowling alley to celebrate.

[@greenthumbelina7331]

@@MikeKincaid79 Have fun, and tell Emily Happy Birthday!

[@raqueldiaz5537]

Thank you for that great explanation!! Everything I needed to know !! Thank you !!

[@henrykarani8428]

Very informative video thanks Mr. Kincaid.

[@MikeKincaid79]

Hey, what's up Henry. Hope all is well with you guys. No chickens yet, lol.

[@camicri4263]

Another great video Mike! Thanks for all your practical teachings! It's awesome because I am very visual and hands on usually. It kills me not to be able to do everything and wait on someone to do it! A pleasure to see you Mike! God bless! Have an amazing weekend!🤗🤗🤗🤗❤

[@MikeKincaid79]

It’s always great to hear from you too!

[@camicri4263]

Thanks Mike!🤗

[@Paul-Coburn]

Great job my friend. Thank you

[@MikeKincaid79]

Thanks Paul, I'll have an update next year as well.

[@mariohernandez-wg6fb]

It so easy !!!!! .... thank you Mike ...

[@davidchu5102]

Yassss another green giant update! Didn’t have to wait another 3 years!!!

[@MikeKincaid79]

Hahaha, there ya go!

[@robertdurkin7596]

Hey.. "Dr. Mike" good to take care of broken trees, care and save live to growing, good job, Mike and lovely woods !!😉👍🌲🌲❤️🏞

[@MikeKincaid79]

Thanks!

[@agsheena]

Thanks for sharing this method!

[@MikeKincaid79]

You're welcome! I was thinking about doing a 2 year update on them.

[@allenlivera1611]

I needed this video a couple of years ago, but better late than never. Always learning.

[@MikeKincaid79]

You never know when you might need it again.

[@allenlivera1611]

@@MikeKincaid79 I'm totally prepared for the next inevitable attack, thanks to you. ;-)

[@veepeecee8630]

Thanks for the info I now know I can repair branches on my pretty little potted plants

[@joyhamilton4248]

Arrrr 😡 darn deer!! We had some deer come through and rutted (rubbed) their antlers on our green giants and busted some large lower branches. For any broken shrubs or trees I was taught by an old nurseryman to use old pantyhose to wrap the broken branches. The pantyhose allows movement and allows water and air to come through the “bandage”. It’s always worked really well. Our 8’ deer fence will be going in this fall!!!! Take care Mike!

[@MikeKincaid79]

That’s a great idea. The pantyhose and the 8 foot fence. I need one of those around here.

[@karenschwartz5209]

Good job, thanks!

[@lobe2032]

Hello Teacher, That was great, I really enjoyed that, at least I know we have been doing it right, and you could use the picture of the fig we fixed if you wanted to, but only you. I called you teacher cause you have taught me more than all my teachers put together, and for that I thank you from the bottom of my heart.

[@MikeKincaid79]

I’m honored to be your friend, Glenda.

[@soonzach4017]

Good to see you again, good idea Mr Green thumb. Anyone, i know you can.

[@jcgjcg3844]

I definitely have my share of damages from Deer so this is perfect timing. Last year i had to trim my tree's from the deer! Thanks Mike

[@MikeKincaid79]

Deer are the bane of a gardener's existence. I started sprinkling sulfur on these trees this year to try t deter them.

[@jcgjcg3844]

@@MikeKincaid79 I had Deer netting but the netting was getting damaged and I caught the culprit on my surveillance camera. It was a Doe chewing through the netting to eat my plant leaves so I put up a metal fence i guess metal doesn't suit there palat. Always a struggle lol

[@CinemaSasquatch]

Nice sound barrier and privacy screen in the making. This looks fantastic.

[@MikeKincaid79]

Thanks, definitely looking forward to the next few years of growth.

[@nancycrisman7496]

Thank you!

[@peakbaggerpat]

Do you have a suggestion on the type of parafilm for tree repair. I do not do any grafting but have a couple of acres of native trees that took a beating this year from the heavy snow. I’d like to be able to repair what I can.

[@misskim2058]

Thanks! I had a 50’ tree fall across the backyard and squash one of my favorite lilacs. It mostly survived, some branches broke off, many just bent, and one is halfway. Looks like I’ll be giving this a go to see if I can save it. It was huge. Now it has a huge visual hole, but I know it will fill in. Also trying some air layering on it…I appreciate the vid, I was wondering if it was fixable. Yea, another great vid from Mike!

[@MikeKincaid79]

You can do it as long as there is still some cambium attached. Good luck!

[@General_Maloomaat]

Excellent informative video

[@MikeKincaid79]

Glad it was helpful!

[@johnhamilton9229]

The deer in our area love love love to rub are giants and Carolina blue sapphires. Great tips.

[@MikeKincaid79]

They don’t seem to eat them but they sure do like to rub on them

[@dwoodbury]

I have wondered how to do this for years. The brace is what I've never done. Thank you for the info.

[@MikeKincaid79]

You're welcome.

[@carminepetracca7518]

super kool video mike. nice repair work. i think you are ready to do some bonsai work. you could be the next peter chan of tree repairs. others would have cropped the top branch off and raised another leader. good going. cp.

[@MikeKincaid79]

I thought about doing that but I wanted the height that was already created. I'll definitely do an update of these trees next summer.

[@battletommy8918]

I also did that with a teatree I had like 4 months ago and it healed pretty well together. I actually accidentally broke it when I tried to sit down next to some other plants.

[@MikeKincaid79]

Works like a charm.

[@Nurse_Lucy]

Kind of like how Aaron from garden answer bolted one of his trees together a few years ago. Very mature tree

[@MikeKincaid79]

I'll have to go look it up, thanks

[@baldyeti]

How daggum cool was that?!? Ha! If that cambium can jump the gap in an Airlayer, it sure as heck can work through a little breakage and splint. I’ve been using nylon chord and bunji-chords to try and help a few trees here. I need to get me some grafting tape, for sure! Thank you for the knowledge, brother.

[@MikeKincaid79]

Always good to hear from ya!

[@RCCRAYZ]

Hey Mike thanks for the vide, I loved it! I tried this on a Japanese maple branch that split,but the results were the opposite, it died after a month, don’t know why. But I finally unwrapped it and removed the dead branch and the tree cambrium actually started closing up behind the dead wood, I’ll have to post a picture in your group. Thanks and have a good evening.

[@MikeKincaid79]

Yeah, I'd love to see the pic.

[@benneb663]

ey m8 check dem giants! looking blessed up as always. and always excited for the NEXT year of growth. oh jah!

[@MikeKincaid79]

Figured you'd like that little update.

[@stanhill3980]

Thank you

[@MikeKincaid79]

Welcome!

[@Greenwitch_Garden]

Just broke a limb on my baby peach tree 😢 glad I found this and hope it works 😊

[@MikeKincaid79]

It will work if there’s still cambium attached.

[@Greenwitch_Garden]

@@MikeKincaid79 the branch was not doing so well :( decided to notch a new branch in a better place

[@rlbgardener6465]

Great video Mike, all a person needs is some baling wire, duct tape, and electrical tape and you can fix anything. Thanks for the info.

[@MikeKincaid79]

haha, that's it

[@LULC0759]

We planted several GG arbs this year on our new 2 acres. We put deer fence around some but not all. I had damage last year. I snipped out the broken piece and new leader has formed but the shape is not the same. I’m wondering at what size and height do the deer not bother them. Yesterday I planted a dozen Full Speed Ahead Arbs on 5’ strip property line beside the neighboring home. Certainly can be a love hate relationship with those deer. Ps …I do use Milorganite a lot and if you keep up on it seems to help deter them.

[@MikeKincaid79]

Good to know, I've been sprinkling sulfur on and around them this fall to try to deter the bucks. So far, I haven't seen any sign of deer around them since doing this. It's been about 3 weeks.

[@icephish66]

Great video thanks! Wish I’d seen this when my magnolias broke after an ice storm. My flamethrower redbud broke in the wind from last night’s storms so I’ll be using this. Is any kind of fertilizer or anything helpful? Somewhat related question: what about staking? I’ve been considering removing stakes for these trees that have been here 1-2 years. When they broke it was right above the stake and worries me that they can’t flex enough because of the stake.

[@MikeKincaid79]

No special fertilizer needed. This will work on any plant. Man, I'd love to have a flamethrower redbud. They are absolutely gorgeous!

[@icephish66]

@@MikeKincaid79 took me almost 2 years to get it. Now, of course, I see them around - like when you buy a car and then suddenly seem to see them everywhere.

[@zaviahopethomas-woundedsou9848]

I wish I had though about the screw for a long branch before my husband broke a huge branch on my 20" Japanese maple. I ended up cutting it off. Now I know for next time.

[@MikeKincaid79]

Yeah, that one was a few years back and I was worried I’d lose the branch but now it’s stronger than ever. I tried to remove the screw a few years later and it was so embedded that I couldn’t get it out.

[@andrewml3602]

Will try this next time instead of just cutting of the damaged part of the tree.

[@MikeKincaid79]

Yeah, especially if cutting it off will make the tree look bad. It can be fixed.

[@AmandaViolinGirl]

Can you please explain what the cambium is?

[@tinaplin]

What are the two tape products you used? Something film?

[@MikeKincaid79]

Parafilm and electrical tape. Electrical tape would work just fine if that's all you have.

[@PyroNL91]

Is this possible with a fig tree? one of my branches has a split in the middle because of a storm today. Ive done this, hope it heals up.

[@MikeKincaid79]

Yes, absolutely! It will probably work even better with a fig tree.

[@baldyeti]

How daggum cool was that?!? Ha! If that cambium can jump the gap in an Airlayer, it sure as heck can work through a little breakage and splint. I’ve been using nylon chord and bunji-chords to try and help of few trees here. I need to get me some grafting tape, for sure!

[@MikeKincaid79]

It's a lot of fun working with cambium and seeing what it can do and how it can grow.

[@djslaf7]

Hey Mike, I have a 8 foot Carolina Sapphire Cypress, took some wind damage at the trunk about 6 foot high mark. When I went to start uprighting the broken top trunk part to the in the ground trunk part (6 feet), the top trunk (2 feet) seperated from the in the ground 6 foot trunk. I taped them back together with electrical tape but didn't do the SPLIT THING THAT YOU SHOWED. You talk about cambium....there is no bark missing from the top trunk that broke off. Can I just proceed like you did. I'm in Maryland and it is not cold yet. Just wondering if can't perform your surgery, should I just cut an inch from the top of the bottom in the ground 6 foot trunk and hope for new growth next spring. Would I need to cover the top of the in the ground trunk over winter??? THANKS MIKE. Suprised yesterday, we only had 20 mph gusts with rain although it was constant.

[@MikeKincaid79]

I'm not sure I completely understand but you really don't have to do anything too special for this. As long as there is some bark intact all the way through the break, you can use electrical tape to tape the branch back together and it should heal.

[@djslaf7]

Many thanks for the reply. I will build a new leader from underneath where the break occurred and do away with all above the break. I lost about 3 feet of what was actually a 10 foot tree. Can't believe a 20 mph constant gust during the tropical storm in Maryland caused this. However, the break did occur where I was staking the tree (4 years old) as I noticed 9 months ago my tie string from the stake had dug into the tree and I felt sap while removing the tie string from the tree and weakened that area of the trunk. The blame may fall squarely on me as this tree sat between to other trees as a being shielded from the wind and had survived previous wind gusts of 45 mph. I have to use a better staking tie in that is loose and expands and won't dig into the tree. The wind probably came from the backend where there was no protection during this recent tropical storm.@@MikeKincaid79 do as you say

[@TheClari25]

Can you do this to mature oaks? A storm came and snapped a bunch of its branches due too debris. Afraid it won't survive if we cut off the damaged branches.

[@MikeKincaid79]

You can do this to any tree or plant.

[@nathananderson385]

Thanks Mike! Question: How much cambium do you think you need still attached for a promising repair? 25% of the circumference? 50%?

[@MikeKincaid79]

I've seen thin shreds of cambium grow back and do well. I'll bet 10% would be enough if it was cared for.

[@nathananderson385]

@@MikeKincaid79 I'll give it a go then!

[@nathananderson385]

@@MikeKincaid79 I'll give it a go then!

[@lynnehuntley]

Will the cambium still be viable after being exposed for several days? After a severe storm, my seven year old Redbud lost a leader, and it tore the bark off for nearly a foot. Should I add a scion ? to help as a leader now? At this point I don’t know if it’s salvageable

[@combatveteran738]

I have a peach tree that broke at the Y of a branch. I have propped it back up and taped it. Do you think it will work this happened yesterday and it’s October in Western Pennsylvania so I don’t think it will start to heal until spring time. Please help and thank you for your time

[@MikeKincaid79]

It won’t heal until next summer. If you tape it back together then it should start healing back up when the weather warms.

[@combatveteran738]

@@MikeKincaid79. Thanks for the info 😎🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@1Kent]

I've heard that broken bones heal stronger, I imagine the same is true for trees.

[@MikeKincaid79]

Absolutely, and you typically never have a problem with that area again

[@AmandaViolinGirl]

What is the callus?

[@adamstewart247]

Would this same solution work for a large tree?

[@MikeKincaid79]

Yes, as long as there is plenty of cambium left to support the top of the tree.

[@chadmatejicka4133]

What is the tape that you are using that is breathable?

[@MikeKincaid79]

Parafilm nursery grafting tape is the exact brand I use and how it's labeled, but it can be hard to find. Here's a link if it's available: fedcoseeds.com/ogs/parafilm-grafting-budding-tape-1-8975

[@chadmatejicka4133]

@@MikeKincaid79 appreciate that. Had a free arrive today and the top branch was not completely broken but there is a slit in it from bending it in the packaging so I was able to piece it back but want to make sure it holds

[@bonniemccormack1361]

My house was a one room school house about 100 years ago and the gigantic twin maples are probably 150 yrs old & next to them is thier halloween creepy misfit cousin maple, all providing the perfect spot for a shade garden with morning and late afternoon sun. I've spent at least a month deciding and designing a shade garden. ONE DAY after I hit the "place order now" button for my future shade garden plants, along came the 'tree guys' to trim near the wires on Maple 2. Mike, they didn't stop. They took her right to the ground 😢 She was the main shade provider and allegedly sick. I had posted a gorgeous couple of pics from last month's full moon and a pink foggy sunrise with the twins being magnificent as ever. I'm so glad I did. Maple 1 looks so sad and Maple 3 looks scarier then ever 😱Maybe I'll plant some green giants in her place. Now I wonder, do I cancel my order...🤔

[@MikeKincaid79]

I'm so sorry to hear that, Bonnie. Maples are one of my absolute favorite trees. Did they kill the stumps or can they grow back from there?

[@bonniemccormack1361]

@@MikeKincaid79 The stump is still good with no signs of rot so there should be life next year. I was scouting a new shade area and noticed a whole section of green giants out back. The blue jays made a colony in them. Found a spot for my bird feeders I guess. 😊

[@alightuntothegentiles]

Can I save an avocado root with a scion, when the branch is only one inch out of the ground?

[@MikeKincaid79]

Yes

[@marschlosser4540]

Splint on a green twig break :)

[@JaneJJane]

What are the materials used? The tapes?

[@MikeKincaid79]

Grafting tape and electrical tape

[@TheLawnWhisperer]

Unfortunately I’m just now finding this video. He deer break several branches off my green giants and even broke off the top half of 2 of them. Try is was back in December ish.

[@MikeKincaid79]

As long as there is some cambium intact, it can be braced up and will heal.

[@TheLawnWhisperer]

@@MikeKincaid79 even after 4 or 5 months?

[@cindiblazer8621]

Was wondering if a hole in a red bud can be repaired. Some sites say fill it with foam.

[@MikeKincaid79]

Never used that but sounds like it will work. The center is just dead wood and mostly a structural component for the tree.

[@cindiblazer8621]

@@MikeKincaid79 thankyou

[@LesaFroelich]

I have a tiger eye sumac my lawn mower hit the trunk will it repair itseld the folage died but kimb is still fuzzy

[@MikeKincaid79]

As long as there is still cambium around part of the trunk.

[@caseymyers9056]

I've used duct tape and electrical tape to make several successful apple tree grafts.

[@MikeKincaid79]

Right on! Use what you’ve got

[@davidchu5102]

Time for Another update Mike?! 🙏

[@MikeKincaid79]

I will update it for sure when the plants start growing again. They’re still dormant right now. Come back and remind me!

[@davidmcclellan9959]

hi mike i got full of sunflowers seeds from my three sunflowers and my sunflowers seeds are in a jar 12 thousand seeds in one jar i knew i got magic green thumb from my grandpa that he gave me love David

[@MikeKincaid79]

Right on! When you going to plant them.

[@theoverworkedgardener5648]

Which are more destructive deer goats? Lol

[@MikeKincaid79]

You keep those devil goats away from me, lol

[@SJKurd]

I think the big trees get more sun

[@MikeKincaid79]

They do. The sun and water have made a huge difference.

[@davidmcclellan9959]

I WILL 6 SEEDS OF SUNFLOWERS BUT IM GOING GIVE TO PUMKIN PATCHES FARMERS SO THEY CAN TAKE THIS JAR SUNFLOWERS SEEDS SO THEY CAN GROW WHOLE LOT MORE SUNFLOWERS EVERY YEARS AND I CAN GROW SOME MUCH BETTER THEY GET UP TO 12 FOOT TALL OH I GOT 7 TOMATOES ON TOMATOE PLANT IT GROWING GREAT LOVE DAVID 😀😀😀💯💯💯💯💯💯🤟🤟🤟🤟🤟👍👍👍👍

[@curiousnomadic]

No dude I'm talking about a big tree that needs a significant amount of clamping force to mend the half attached branch.

[@MikeKincaid79]

Size doesn't matter, lol. It's all about the cambium.

[@curiousnomadic]

@@MikeKincaid79 So would having tight horticultural straps around it strangle the cambium? It's a dogwood that got mangled by the heavy snow storm. Just discovered it miraculously survived so I need to mend 3 maybe 4 branches. The heaviest one split in the middle and I'm thinking of putting a carriage bolt through.

[@BJ-fj6jw]

Plants are much like humans. You just applied first aid and a splint to a fracture.

[@MikeKincaid79]

Haha, yep

[@paolovargas3989]

I would marry you ❤

[@danconstanciojr8476]

Deer are scavenging creatures.

[@MikeKincaid79]

Sure are

[@lizl6606]

You make great videos explaining in detail which is great but I'm still waiting for your wife's next great video too anything and everything makes great videos just showing the chickens and gathering eggs makes a good show everyone loves chickens or gardening or baking a cake Please persuade her to do more on her channel 🇨🇦🦩

[@MikeKincaid79]

I harass her about it all the time and will continue to do so. I don’t think she realizes how much people like watching her videos.

[@lizl6606]

@mike Kincaid Yes we do love watching her channel get your kids to harass her too 💕PLEASE🇨🇦🦩

[@lanaabel655]

Hi there. I had my 60+ yr old oak tree trimmed (some dead or dying branches) and something happened and hit the bark. It’s about 15 feet up on the trunk. Should I do anything or will it heal in its own? @MikeKincaid79

[@MikeKincaid79]

Are you saying that a piece of the bark is busted off the trunk about 15 feet up? As long as it's just a piece of bark and there is still bark around the rest of the trunk, it will heal.

[@lanaabel655]

Yes - when the tree people trimmed a big limb off and it scraped the side of the tree ripping off a piece of bark. I wasn’t sure if I should try to do something to protect it or just leave it alone! Thank you for your reply!!