How to Seal Pine Trees

Sealers are applied on trees after pruning to help them maintain moisture and avoid insect damage. If possible, prune pine trees after new growth appears in the spring but just before the needles emerge. In addition, cut back any branch you are pruning to the parent branch from which it grew. Although trees naturally are able to seal themselves and applying a sealer is generally not necessary, sealers are beneficial to pine trees in certain circumstances.

Things You'll Need

• Cutting tools
• Sealer

Instructions

1. Cut back any broken limbs close to the parent branch. Do this whether you are going to seal them or not. Never seal ragged, broken branches.

2. Consider whether you should seal the wounds. It is most beneficial to seal your trees if you cut back the branches any time of year that is not ideal (see introduction), if insects have been an issue for your pine tree or if the weather is especially dry.

3. Apply a sealer to the freshly cut wound with the applicator that comes with the sealer. Cover the entire wound liberally. Usually, sealers must be applied when temperatures are above 30 degrees Fahrenheit.

Tips & Warnings

• Use clean sharp tools, such as pruning shears or a saw, when pruning.

References

• TreeHelp.com: How to Prune a Tree
• North Dakota State University: Pruning Trees and Shrubs
• TreeHelp.com: Example sealer and application instructions