Pruning Japanese Maples

Disinfect and cover

All cuts need to be covered with Phytech 50 or the wound paste sold in bonsai shops. Never use the black plastic tree seal that hardens, as it will actually impede healing. Covering the wound prevents infection by fungi or bacteria that can spread, causing systemic disease. I spray the cut surface with Phyton 27 before I seal the wound, just as I would apply a disinfectant on a child’s cut finger before putting on the band-aid.