Pruning paint is not helpful. If you did not use what is called an undercut, that may have been your problem.

Yes, proper pruning technique would have prevented the bark tear. And I'll extend bboy just a bit and state that pruning paint may be detrimental in many cases.

Dan

I did do an undercut but the tree fell to the side and I didn't anticipate that. Looks like I should skip the pruning paint.

here is something i learned...

on a long heavy branch .... say a 10 footer ...

cut off 8 feet ... so that when you go in to make the cut that counts.. you can easily hold up the piece coming off.. so that you can CONTROL THE CUT ... without the tear ...

i wonder why that light bulb took 30 years to go on ... lol .. for me i mean ...

your problem was simply cutting off too large a branch in ONE cut ...

ken

Good tip. My trees will appreciate that in the future.