Expert: Greg Simpson - 8/23/2006

Question
I have a Saguaro with three arms that has been abused, stabbing, poking. This was already done when I bought the place. The skin has turned brown and hard and now has started to crack. The top, from about 6 ft up is green and healthy looking. What my question is: what should I paint, cover, spray? on the lower part to protect it and give it a chance to recover? It is noy weeping any fluids and does not seem to be rotting. Any help or wisdom please! THANK YOU very much

Answer
Dear Larry,

I would just leave it alone. If it is hard and brown/tan, then it is as healed as it is going to get. And nothing looks worse than a painted saguaro. If you don't like looking at the damage, I would plant something in front of it. Not a tree, but a small shrub (a Leucophyllum or a Cassia of some kind). Hope this helps.

Sincerely,

Greg