As autumn leaves paint our world in vibrant hues, we're reminded of the endless cycles of growth, change, and renewal. Have you ever noticed the unique patterns in tree bark or the unusual shapes in wooden furniture? These aren't just random occurrences—they tell a story of resilience and adaptation, offering profound lessons for our own lives.

The Wisdom of Trees

One of the superpowers of trees is that they can’t move away from threats. When a tree is wounded—whether by a storm, an animal, or human intervention—it doesn't “heal” in the way we might expect. Instead of "fixing" the damaged area, trees grow around it. This remarkable process, known as "compartmentalization of decay in trees" (CODIT), was first described by Dr. Alex Shigo, the father of modern arboriculture.

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Watercolor illustrations by David M. Carroll, Warner, New Hampshire. Compartmentalization of Decay in Trees, U.S. Forest Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture. Agriculture Information Bulletin No. 405, July 1977.

CODIT involves the tree creating boundaries around the wounded area, preventing the spread of decay and allowing continued growth around the injury. Trees close wounds on the outside and compartmentalize pathogens on the inside. 

Research indicates that the ability to compartmentalize injuries and decay varies significantly among tree species and even individual trees within a species. This fascinating discovery opens up possibilities for breeding urban trees that are particularly adept at compartmentalization, enhancing their resilience in challenging city environments.

Interestingly, a tree's vigor plays a crucial role in its ability to compartmentalize effectively. Healthier trees are generally stronger compartmentalizers compared to those in a weakened condition. This underscores the importance of maintaining the overall health of our urban forests.

To help trees in their process, arborists recommend several key practices:

• Healthy living soil and root zone to support nutrient needs
• Periodic pruning to help prevent damage and encourage a resilient growth structure
• Proper irrigation to support their water needs
• Protection and support to help them fend off insect and disease

These practices help in maintaining tree vigor and supporting their natural ability to compartmentalize decay, ultimately leading to healthier and more resilient urban forests.

Nature's Healing Process

International Society of Arboriculture, Bugwood.org

When a tree is injured, it forms a callus—a protective layer of tissue that grows over the wound. The callus not only prevents the entry of pathogens but also helps the tree retain moisture and nutrients. Interestingly, the callus often creates unique patterns in the bark, telling the story of the tree's journey through adversity. These patterns, much like our own scars, become a part of the tree's character and history.

Applying Tree Wisdom

to Our Lives

Just as trees grow around their wounds, we too can adapt and thrive in the face of challenges. Here are a few concepts that we can relate to trees. 

• Embrace change: Like trees shedding leaves in autumn, sometimes we need to let go to make room for new growth.
• Build resilience: Trees grow stronger where they've been damaged. 
• Nurture connections: Like the intertwined roots, fungi and bacteria of a forest, trees thrive in community

Share Your Story

We welcome hearing from you about your relationship with trees and why they are important in your life and community.

Written By

Ricamae Gulan

We Love Trees Administrative Assistant

Sources

Shigo, A. L. (1984). Compartmentalization: A conceptual framework for understanding how trees grow and defend themselves. Annual Review of Phytopathology, 22(1), 189-214.

Shigo, Alex L., and Harold G. Marx. Compartmentalization of Decay in Trees. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Agriculture Information Bulletin No. 405, July 1977. Illustrations by David M. Carroll, Warner, New Hampshire.

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