Scribing of Wounds

We call one health treatment for trees wound scribing. When scribing wounds [A] scribe as shallow as possible and enlarge the wound as little as possible [B]. There is no benefit in scribing in the form of a vertical ellipse. Make rounded margins with no pointed tips. If callus is forming then remove the loose bark without injuring the callus. Do remove injured bark and wood. Always refrain from digging into the face of the wound. The wound surface should be clean of soil and debris. Do not paint the wound! In a few months check the wound and cut away bark that may have died beyond the scribed area.

During the growing season when wounds are inflicted, wait until callus begins to form. Then cut away the injured bark very carefully without injuring the callus. If moist moss is applied and held in place by plastic wrap, on small wounds during the growing season, generating new tissues on the wound surface is possible. This should be done within hours of the wounding. The moss treatment is more effective in warm climates.

Diagrams from The Desk of John A. KESLICK Jr.

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John A. Keslick Jr.
Tree Biologist
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Modern Arboriculture