Alex L. Shigo

WOUND DRESSINGS: RESULTS OF STUDIES OVER THIRTEEN YEARS

Summary Many materials were used in and on experimentally inflicted wounds in many studies over a 13-year period. No material prevented decay. The individual tree had a greater effect on the wound than the treatments. Some individual trees of a species closed and compartmentalized wounds rapidly and effectively, regardless of treatment, while other trees did not close and compartmentalize treated or control wounds. The width of healthy wood behind wounds in red maple was the major factor affecting the course of the wound. Results are given from wounds on 275 treated and dissected trees.

WOUNDED FORESTS; STARVING TREES

Acid rain, insects, and fungi are real problems that can kill trees. Wounded and starving trees are also realities and part of the total picture. Forest decline is a many-sided problem, yet recent attention has focused on only a few visible factors. The blame for diebacks and declines can not always be placed on well-publicized short-term agents. Forestry practices may also play an important part in todays current tree problems. This paper examined past forestry practices to see if they could have predisposed forests to stress and therefore been a major factor in current forest problems. 8 references, 10 figures.