magnolia grandifolia

So we woke up up here in the NE in a picture perfect landscape of snow meringues and flutes dripping from trees and roofs. Too bad the candle-wax visuals were there because of this gluey consistency of the snow mixed up with rain - really saturated with water. And a nightmare for trees - huge branches were randomly giving way with a creak under the weight of the snow. Atlantic cedars, red maples and also a beautiful magnolia tree, which shed a large branch that probably should have been pruned years ago.

The question is, on the stump of the broken branch, is there any need to apply any type of resin or other chemical to prevent fungus infestation or other plant ailments?

Thanks.

The recommendation for such things is to let it be. I would remove the jagged part and wait for Spring.

thank you!

Kwanjin gives good advice. Wound sealants are no longer recommended by most experts because they interfere with the formation of the natural callous. The important thing is to prune the remains of the branch correctly. Here's a starting point.


http://www.gardeningknowhow.com/trees-shrubs/what-to-do-for-storm-damage-trees-repair.htm

Great! Thank you very much.

Are wound sealants not recommended for a wound on the trunk? I noticed a wound on my young river birch this week and bought some wound sealant to put on it. The wound is about six inches by two inches and I don't know what caused it, whether weed eater or critter. Is it better to leave it alone?

From the Utah State University Forrestry Extension Service:

INJURY TREATMENT

Cavities and Drainage Tubes

Cavities in trees require only minimal care. Clean out any loose wood or debris. Check the cavity for carpenter ants or termites. These insects should be controlled as necessary. Do not fill the cavity but rather allow it to remain open. Do not scrape the inside of a cavity to remove dead wood. This may expose live tissue and re-wound the tree, allowing decay to spread.

Drainage tubes should not be used in trees. Drilling holes to drain water from interior cavities will open a path for new decay.

Wounds

Wound treatment should be confined to removal of loose bark or wood. Leave the wound exposed so that the tree may begin the natural process of callus formation and healing or sealing over. "Scribing" a wound in an elliptical shape was once recommended to help water and nutrients flow around the wounded area. This practice is no longer recommended since it only makes wounds larger and does not improve sap flow.

Wound Dressings

Wound dressings are not recommended for any tree wounds whether from pruning, other tree maintenance practices, or natural damage. Wound dressings have actually be found to increase decay. Wounds should be left exposed to the open air to seal naturally.

Wow - glad to have that information! Y'all saved me from making a mistake and damaging the tree I was trying to help. Thanks to everybody!