History

• Treekote helps prevent the spread of oak wilt.old oak tree image by Vortigern69 from Fotolia.com
  
  Walter E. Clark & Son Inc. has provided grafting wax and tree care supplies since 1885. Treekote and similar products provide a barrier against insects and fungus. Located in Orange, Connecticut, it is a family-run business that serves customers throughout North and South America.
  
  

Materials

• Treekote helps prevent Dutch elm disease.Elm Leaves in Autumn image by Gary Chorpenning from Fotolia.com
  
  Treekote has a base of asphalt, a petroleum product. It is an emulsion of asphalt with water, combined with aluminum silicates, methanol and acetic acid. The fumes may be unpleasant and cause nausea or headache and can be irritating to the eyes, skin or respiratory tract. Treekote should be stored in a cool dry area and not allowed to freeze.
  
  

Uses

• Treekote helps promote healthy callus growth.Coeur d"arbre image by Pascal P??chard from Fotolia.com
  
  Treekote is used to prevent the spread of diseases in a wide range of trees, shrubs and plants. Treekote is applied to areas of a plant that have been pruned, cut or damaged. It does not "burn" a plant like plain asphalt and leaves a finish similar in color to tree bark. Proper application reduces bark die-off.
  
  

Considerations

• Pruning and applying wound dressing should be contemplated carefully. Prune first for safety reasons. Remove any heavy branches that could fall on property, pets or people. Assess what branches can be taken off for the tree's health. Lastly, take away branches that are aesthetically unpleasing. Consider using Treekote on wounds larger than 1 inch in diameter. Don't remove branches near power lines--consult the utility company for that job.
  
  

Advantages

• Treekote is used to help prevent oak wilt and the spread of Dutch Elm disease. It is also widely used for healing grafts and prune wounds. Growers also use Treekote to propagate orchids and other houseplants. Treekote also can be applied to old wounds to improve their appearance.