Form Follows Function
November 23, 2010 by Polyporus badius
Restoring storm damaged trees, and restoring topped trees; important to both tree health and property safety (reducing the likelihood of tree failure).
A tree that has been damaged due to freezing temperatures and windy conditions, causing broken limbs and trunks is susceptible to failure and disease.
- Restoration pruning principals can only provide so much security, depending on how soon we can administer tree care.
- Decay will spread throughout the tree, even into the roots, bringing the whole tree to its early demise, as it spreads.
- A tree's natural defense is to form wound wood, which compartmentalizes the decay, localizing and barring it off from the rest of the tree.
- Proper pruning cuts with the principals of restoration in mind will enhance the trees ability to react to storm damage and topping.
- Timing is crucial as to catch the decay and or any other infestation before it spreads.
- The angle of cut is paramount to "wound-wood" formation in regard to aspect/weather, and knowing where to cut as to promote healthy form and structure