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Pruning Storm Damaged Bradford Pear (IL)

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From: Kathy M. City: Lemont, IL
My parkway tree (Bradford pear, about 20 feet tall) suffered some damage during a recent storm. A large limb was broken off leaving a large wound (24''x6'') exposed about 5 feet from the ground. What should I do in regards to wound care, or would it be best to let it heal itself?
	Extension Message From: Jay Hayek Extension Specialist, Forestry Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences jhayek@illinois.edu
Hi Kathy: Ultimately, you have three options when it comes to urban trees damaged via severe winds/thunderstorms: (1) Do nothing, (2) Properly prune or trim back the damaged portion(s) of the tree/bark yourself, or (3) Contact a certified arborist and have them evaluate and properly prune or trim back the damaged portion(s) of the tree/bark. Illinois List of Certified Arborists: http://www.illinoisarborist.org/CertifiedArboristsNew.htm Pruning Storm Damaged Trees: http://web.extension.illinois.edu/forestry/publications/pdf/urban_community_forestry/trees_and_ice_storms_2006.pdf
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