Damaged trees

[themapleking]

I have a few maple trees that have some bark damage "torn off" from logging. I was wondering if anyone had any information on healing the tree, or should I let nature heal it. Will this affect the trees sap prouction. :?: :?:

[forester1]

Let the tree heal itself. Research has shown tree wound dressings don't work. It will affect the sap production of the tree overall but possibly not per tap. I would tap the tree conservatively if at all. It depends on the width of the wound and the tree size. If the crown doesn't start to die back it is probably ok to tap without further harm to the tree. The risk is now the wound is open to decay fungi which can further weaken the tree. If you tap into decayed wood you should disinfect the bit before tapping another tree.
One way to help prevent damage like this is not to log in sugar maple stands in the spring. Wait until mid-summer at least. The bark is tighter on the tree then.