When a tree suffers any kind of injury, the wound usually grows back with fresh bark and it is then thought to be healed. After all, when a human being is injured, new cells form that replace the dead ones and the recovery is complete.
But this isn’t the case with trees. The wound does close, it’s true, but beneath this new layer of bark, the damaged cells die and aren’t replaced. Instead, when everything is going well, the cells around the wound release chemicals designed to prevent rot, and new cells cover the wound.
The wound is not healed, however; it is simply isolated. This is called “compartmentalization”: the tree isolates the dead cells that are susceptible to infestation. But this wound will remain a weak point for the rest of the tree’s life, and there will always be a risk of infestation (particularly by rot), even decades later. Hollow trees are simply trees where compartmentalization has not been fully successful.
What does this change in the life of a tree owner? Simply that it’s best to prune trees as little as possible. And if a branch must be removed (and it does happen), it’s better to do it when the branch is young, because the wound will be smaller and the compartmentalization will occur more quickly and effectively.
Also, if you need to cut a branch, do it just beyond the collar at its base: that is where the greatest concentration of insulating cells is located and if you cut at this point, the wound will heal more quickly.
And don’t paint the wound with paint or pruning paste either. It was once thought that this type of old-fashioned product helped protect the wood from rot, but we now know it does the exact opposite and encourages rot. If a branch breaks off, cut it to even out the wound and leave as small and smooth a surface as possible, but don’t put anything over the damage. Instead, trust Mother Nature: she knows what to do!
Above all, avoid so-called tree pruners who offer to shorten all the branches of your tree. They leave stubs on every branch, and your tree will gradually wither and die after they’ve finished. They are charlatans who don’t know anything about trees. Choose a certified arborist for this kind of work: they will lose their license if they are caught doing such a mess. If you absolutely must hire a less-trained pruner, at least ask them what they know about compartmentalizing your tree! More information to Click Here.