Wounded Trees

Source: The Classic How-To On Tree Care - United States Forest Service AIB-387

A tree is considered to be wounded when its bark is broken so that either its inner bark or wood is exposed to the air. Tree wounds are caused by various agents, including birds, animals, insects, fire, mechanical equipment, lightning, or man and his activities. Tree wounds are classified into three types, depending on their locations: branch wounds, trunk wounds, and root wounds.

A good tree-care program includes looking for hints of trouble. There are a number of signs and symptoms that indicate the development of decay in a tree. All too often they go unrecognized until it is too late. However, early recognition of these signs and symptoms, followed by proper treatment, can do much to proven or minimize the damage caused by decay and the subsequent waste of so many good trees and so much valuable wood. Before deciding on a plan of action, it is wise to consider basic points about trees.