Types of Tree Bark Damage and how they Seal Wounds

Trees are prone to bark damage from a range of biotic and abiotic sources such as physical, frost, fire, lightning, wind, insect, fungal, bacterial, grazing animals, etc. Tree seal rather than heal and prominent scars or cicatrices are formed. The wound is seal by callus growth that differentiates and is lignified to become 'wound wood'. Tress also realease chemicals that serve to protect the exposed timber until it can be sealed.
Some wounds may occur annually, such as grazing, frost crack and sun scald creating large surface area wounds that never seal. Trees attempt to compartmentalise, that is block off invading bacteria, fungi, etc. Generally younger trees can seal wounds more efficiently and some species are more effective 'sealers' than others. The shape of the wound can alter the sealing time and some friction wounds can result in branches or trunks fusing together, very rarely between different species.
Large wounds can weaken the tree, resulting in the often sudden loss of branches or the fracture of the trunk.

[@SuzD0n]

I'm so glad to have found your Channel, Roger. Hope you hop down to monmouthshire again, we have lots of curiosities!

[@rogergriffith286]

Many thanks. I have a new grandson at Caerphilly so I will get a chance to explore your county on 'days off' :-)

[@MonkeyGus]

Nice channel Roger, bit under the radar!

[@rogergriffith286]

Thanks. Yes, quietly enjoying my exploration of Ayrshire, etc :-)

[@OutandAbout1]

Thanks Roger 👍👍👍 we had to clearfell a large area due to Chalara ash dieback its such a shame to see these trees like this

[@rogergriffith286]

Ash dieback is more widespead than I had realised