How do trees close pruning wounds? Why didn’t my tree care company cut the limb right back to the trunk?
When a tree is wounded, it sets up defensive walls against the invasion of decay fungi and other microorganisms. The vessels near the wound are plugged with gums, resins, and chemicals that resist the spread of decay. This creates protective walls within the tree. When decay develops in a branch, it moves down the branch until it reaches the protective walls. Once there, it stops. Generally, if the tree is healthy very “strong” walls can be erected and the decay can be stopped. If a tree is not healthy, it’s wall will not be as “strong.” Some trees have “genetically weaker” walls and do not do a good job at stopping decay. After initially forming the “walls,” the tree then attempts to cover over the wound with what is called woundwood. For branches and limbs, a region called the branch collar is where this protective chemical zone is located. The branch collar is located at the base of the branch or limb. Sometimes it can be seen as a slightly swollen area.
When a tree is wounded, it sets up defensive walls against the invasion of decay fungi and other microorganisms. The vessels near the wound are plugged with gums, resins, and chemicals that resist the spread of decay. This creates protective walls within the tree. When decay develops in a branch, it moves down the branch until it reaches the protective walls. Once there, it stops. Generally, if the tree is healthy very “strong” walls can be erected and the decay can be stopped. If a tree is not healthy, it’s wall will not be as “strong.” Some trees have “genetically weaker” walls and do not do a good job at stopping decay. After initially forming the “walls,” the tree then attempts to cover over the wound with what is called woundwood.
When a tree is wounded, it sets up defensive walls against the invasion of decay fungi and other microorganisms. The vessels near the wound are plugged with gums, resins, and chemicals that resist the spread of decay. This creates protective walls within the tree. When decay develops in a branch, it moves down the branch until it reaches the protective walls. Once there, it stops. Generally, if the tree is healthy very “strong” walls can be erected and the decay can be stopped. If a tree is not healthy, it’s wall will not be as “strong.” Some trees have “genetically weaker” walls and do not do a good job at stopping decay.
