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Ability to compartmentalize decay differs among trees

Trees have genetic capacity to build chemical boundaries around infection. Some trees have a high capacity to build these systems and others do not. Trees that are not able to build effective boundaries decay rapidly following injury. Trees that can build effect barriers do not decay as readily. The list below indicates relative ability to retard decay. Individuals within the genera or species may be more or less susceptible than indicated.

Trees that compartmentalize decay poorly Trees that compartmentalize decay well
  • Aesculus
  • Acer rubrum (may be intermediate)
  • Acer sacharinum
  • Bauhinia
  • Betula
  • Brachychiton
  • Celtis
  • Cercis
  • Delonix
  • Eucalyptus
  • Erythrina
  • Fagus
  • Ficus
  • Magnolia grandiflora
  • Malus
  • Myrica
  • Peltophorum
  • Persea
  • Pinus virginiana
  • Populus
  • Prunus
  • Quercus laurifolia
  • Q. nigra
  • Q. leavis
  • Q. shumardii
  • Q. palustris (may be intermediate)
  • Salix
  • Schinus
  • Acacia
  • Acer saccharum
  • Albezia saman
  • Bucida buserus
  • Bursera simaruba
  • Castania sativa
  • Carpinus
  • Gleditsia
  • Juglans
  • Lagerstroemia
  • Lysiloma
  • Pinus rigida
  • Quercus geminata
  • Q. macrocarpa
  • Q. petrea
  • Q. robur
  • Q. rubra (regarded as poor by some)
  • Q. virginiana
  • Robinia pseudoacaia
  • Taxus baccata
  • Tilia (regarded as poor by some)
  • Sweitenia
  • Tabebuia
  • Ulmus americana
  • Ulmus alata
  • Ulmus parviflora

 


Based on: Lonsdale, 1999; Dujesiefken, 1991; conversations with arborists and personal observation.