Question: Is pruning paint all that helpful? I’ve heard that it isn’t necessary.

Answer: Pruning sealant dries to a hard, protective coating over cut surfaces. However, there is good research that shows that it can actually inhibit the regrowth of bark over the wound. If you do use it, keep it away from the outer edge of the cut. One place where you would want to use it: on any oak pruning that you do during the growing season, since insects that transmit diseases are attracted to the freshly cut wood. In areas where oaks are falling victim to oak wilt and other diseases you may want to use pruning sealant even during the winter.