As they grow, trees may develop defects or injuries that can weaken their structure and stability. CODIT is an acronym for “Compartmentalisation of Decay in Trees”. It’s a model system that helps forest managers understand how trees decay and discolour. CODIT is also a term that tree pruning experts use to describe how trees respond to tree removal in Geelong.
CODIT is the process by which a tree seals damaged or decayed wood. Instead of healing the damaged tissue, the tree creates four barriers to prevent decay or infection from spreading.
Wounding
It is the first stage when the tree is injured. The injury can occur due to various factors, including tree pruning in Geelong, storms, and pests. Wounds can create an entry point for microorganisms that can cause decay. The size and location of the wound of trees can affect the tree’s ability to compartmentalise the injury.
Compartmentalisation
In this stage, the tree responds to the injury by creating a barrier around the wound. This barrier comprises cells filled with chemicals that inhibit the growth of microorganisms. When a tree is wounded, it responds by creating a barrier around the wound. The barrier is not perfect, and microorganisms can sometimes break through it. Individuals or communities can hire specialists for tree removal in Geelong, who can advise them in identifying, the four stages of CODIT.
Microbial attack
Once the barrier is in place, microorganisms may attack the wood. These microorganisms can break down the wood fibres, causing the wood to decay. The microorganisms that cause decay are diverse, including fungi, bacteria, and moulds. In case you find a tree in your vicinity that has undergone the process of microbial decomposition, contact professionals for tree pruning in Geelong.
Wood Discolouration & Decay
It is the final stage of CODIT. As the wood decays, it loses its colour and becomes brittle. The tree may eventually die if the decay is severe enough. In such cases, it is crucial to call experts for tree removal in Geelong. The CODIT model helps us understand how trees respond to injury. It can be used to help arborists make decisions about how to prune trees and manage their health.
CODIT pruning techniques include:
- Removing one stem to address co-dominant stems: This technique removes one of two co-dominant stems, which are stems of equal size and compete for dominance. It can help improve the tree structure and reduce the risk of breakage.
- Preventing entanglement by addressing lateral growth within the crown: This technique removes growing branches in a way that could cause entanglement in the future. It can help to prevent damage to the tree and make it easier to prune in the future.
- Correcting entanglement by removing one branch to free the other: This technique is used to remove a branch that is entangled with another branch. It can help improve the tree structure and reduce the risk of breakage.
- Removing water sprouts that rob resources from the main branches: This technique removes water sprouts, which are small, fast-growing branches that typically arise from a tree’s trunk or main branches. Water sprouts can rob resources from the main branches, weakening the tree.
These are just a few of the CODIT pruning techniques. It is important to note that CODIT is a complex system, with many factors to consider when pruning a tree. It is always best to consult a qualified arborist before pruning a tree.
A qualified arborist should perform CODIT tree removal in Geelong. Improper pruning can damage the trees, making them more susceptible to decay.
Benefits of CODIT Pruning
CODIT pruning techniques can help trees stay healthy and robust by removing branches that negatively affect the tree. It can help prevent decay and remove decayed growth. Pruning can also help trees develop a robust framework with branches spaced correctly and at an ideal angle.
- Improved overall health of the tree: Pruning helps improve the tree’s health by removing dead, diseased, or damaged branches. It can help to reduce the risk of infection and improve the tree’s ability to photosynthesise.
- Better exposure to sunlight: Pruning can help to improve the exposure of sunlight to the leaves of a tree. It can help the tree to produce more food and grow more vigorously.
- Reduced risk of broken limbs and falling branches: Pruning helps reduce the risk of broken limbs and falling branches. It is because it removes dead, diseased, and damaged branches, likely to break under the weight of wind or snow.
- Increased sun exposure and air circulation: Pruning can help to increase sun exposure and air circulation to the leaves of a tree. It can help the tree to dry out more quickly after rain or watering, which can help to prevent fungal infections.
- Promotion of healthy leaves and branches: Pruning helps promote leaves and branches’s healthy growth. It is because it removes dead, diseased, or damaged branches that are competing for resources from the healthy branches.
Tree removal in Geelong can also help prevent the spread of disease, the infestation of pests and the death of the tree. It is important to note that tree removal in Geelong is not always necessary. In some cases, it can harm the tree. It is always best to consult a qualified arborist before pruning a tree.
If you are concerned about the health or stability of a tree on your property, feel free to contact a qualified arborist from High Line Tree Care to discuss CODIT pruning or similar tree pruning processes.
