A tree’s trunk is its lifeline, connecting the canopy to the roots. When the trunk suffers injury or rot, the tree’s health and stability are at risk.
Sealing or cutting into a rotting trunk often worsens the problem, making it more vulnerable to infection. Unlike humans, trees don’t heal—they compartmentalize damage, sealing it off rather than repairing it. Rot typically results from wood decay, often beginning internally in aging trees.
If you notice signs of rot, consult an ISA Certified Arborist®—like Mountain Air Land Management—promptly. A professional assessment can determine whether the tree will remain stable, requires plant health care (PHC) treatments, or should be removed for safety. PHC, including proper watering, fertilization, and pruning, can extend a tree’s life—if it isn’t at risk of falling.
