Broken Branch
Initially, a tree develops a branch injury. This wound could be the beginning of an entry point for decay. If caught in time and the limb properly pruned, the tree will overcome it's injury with little or no damage.
The Tree Branch One Year Later
Typically, a dead branch left for a year introduces bacterial rot which spreads into sound wood. If the branch is not shed or removed, there will continue to be a path for the spread of agents of decay.
The Branch Tree Three Years Later
Decay from the dead tree limb continues to undermine the internal structure of the tree. Note the darker decayed wood is spreading as the tree is aging.
It takes about a decade for the tree to actually develop significant rot from the junction of the dead limb or branch. Note that rot (gray) is actually entering the trunk and spreading.
Good wood growing around the broken limb is presenting a callous or lip. This growing lip is trying to compartmentalize the injury but still has to overcome the dead branch to seal the wound.
Initially, a tree develops a branch injury. This wound could be the beginning of an entry point for decay. If caught in time and the limb properly pruned, the tree will overcome it's injury with little or no damage.
The Tree Branch One Year Later
Typically, a dead branch left for a year introduces bacterial rot which spreads into sound wood. If the branch is not shed or removed, there will continue to be a path for the spread of agents of decay.
The Branch Tree Three Years Later
Decay from the dead tree limb continues to undermine the internal structure of the tree. Note the darker decayed wood is spreading as the tree is aging.
It takes about a decade for the tree to actually develop significant rot from the junction of the dead limb or branch. Note that rot (gray) is actually entering the trunk and spreading.
Good wood growing around the broken limb is presenting a callous or lip. This growing lip is trying to compartmentalize the injury but still has to overcome the dead branch to seal the wound.
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