I realize that "some" bonsai artists use cut paste and wound dressing on their trees. I have come across many people who continue to use these pastes. However, the use of these dressings is more harmful than beneficial. Wound dressings do not align themselves with modern horticulture techniques or research.

Don’t take my word on this subject. Look at the research done on large trees.

Read these:

www.treesaregood.com/pressrelease/press/top10myths.aspx

joa.isa-arbor.com/request.asp?JournalID=1&ArticleID=1444&Type=2

puyallup.wsu.edu/~linda%20chalker-scott/...s/Wound%20sealer.pdf

any questions?

By the way: This is a topic hotly debated on several fora, and the judges are still out..

I use it. I've never seen it, but I guess the cut can rot faster if left untreated. The stuff I have is black, and kinda ugly.

The use of cut paste depends on the time of year snd species and the size of the cut. There is also two types of paste, one is like a putty and the other is almost liquid. I use the putty on large cuts to help seal the wound, I split a trunk on one of my pines and to keep water etc out I used the cut paste to seal the wound. Without it the wound would get water in and could cause rot. It is certainly not harmful to the tree. The other paste I use on smaller cuts usually. Spring is the main time I will use it as the sap is rising and the wound needs to be protected. I also use the paste on large root cuts but only large cuts.

Currently, no cut or wound paste has been found effective in preventing decay. Actually, most seem to foster decay and prevent good wound closure.

There are two dressings that are non-toxic but they still aren't effective:

Orange Shellac

Lac Balsam

If I had to treat wounds I would use the Lac Balsam. However, I really believe the case is closed concerning wound dressings. Remember trees seal they don't heal.

I have been using both kinds for over 12 years and never found any adverse effects, it is recommended by my Japanese master and many other of the bonsai artists I know.
I wonder where the tests were conducted and whn as I have not heard about them.
I will continue to use and recommend to the members of my group when necessary,
Geoff.

You can definitly keep using the paste. However, it's a waste of your time and money. Bonsai trees are so small that any wound will heal much faster than a full size tree.

Wounds seal on trees and to accomplish this they must be dry and uncovered.

Read this to understand CODIT:
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Compartmentalization_of_decay_in_trees

I suggest if you're going to still use dressings please use either the Oragne Shellac or Black Balsam. These at least are natural non-toxic and used by arborists.

Both products I use are non toxic they are made for use with bonsai.
My trees are not small, I can have some large wounds, so I will not change to something I have never seen or heard of or that anyone I know uses