Are ants a contributor to tree decay?
– Ants make nests in trees but do not feed on them, termites do not nest in trees but do feed on them. Ants actually help slow decay in trees as they keep the galleries in their nests clean. • Can tree wounds heal? – Healing is the repair of damaged tissue. Trees cannot heal damaged tissue. Instead they call off damaged areas from healthy areas through a process known as compartmentalization, this is their defense mechanism. The damaged tissue (decay) will remain isolated within the tree for life. Evidence of this is seen when a felled tree is examined. • Is topping good for a tree? – After planting too deep, topping is the next major cause for tree decline and death. Topping creates weakened, stresed trees that are unsafe. NEVER top trees. • Does it aid healing to apply tree wound paint to wounds and pruning cuts? – Tree wound paint does not prevent rot and in some cases promotes it by sealing in moisture. Do not paint wounds or pruning cuts. • How should pruning cuts be made in relat
