Tree Wound Closure

Abstract

Trunk wounds that injure both xylem and phloem can structurally weaken trees, reduce translocation of sap, and provide entry for insects or inoculation sites for disease organisms. Rapid wound closure is beneficial. Illinois data indicate that wound closure is directly related to tree vigor, that large wounds close more in 1 year than small wounds, that wounds less than 12 mm wide are likely to close in 1 year, that annually inflicted wounds less than 25 mm in diameter are not likely to slow tree growth, and that wounds on slow-growing trees close more per unit of radial trunk growth than wounds on fast-growing trees.