Patching wounded trees?

[lungslicer]

I have a Norway Pine and a small Maple tree that were damaged by some kids with a axe. I think that they are both going to survive, but I would like to know what I can do to ensure no bugs get under their bark. Any information would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

[Steve Foss]

Not sure if there's a way to keep bugs from infiltrating.

But if the ax made slices without taking out actual chunks, like a knife making a slice in your finger, you can take some wood screws and fasten the cut together. It'll heal much faster that way, and you can either take the screws out next year if they're still visible, or the tree bark and wood should eventually grow right out past them with no harm done to the tree.

Faster healing makes bugs under the bark much less likely.

If there are voids in the wood with chunks taken out, I don't know of a solution to the insect thing at this time.