When a tree gets hurt or damaged, it does not bleed or bleed out like an animal. Instead, it reacts by sealing the wound off with the production of wood. This creates a permanent, unique mark. Scientists read these historical records like a fingerprint to study past events, including fires, stress, and other events. Our practice often utilizes these techniques to determine the cause of an event or if the part of the tree that was injured appeared before the incident occurred. Here are just a few examples:



Woundwood tissue: Trees do not heal old cells. They grow new, hard wood around the wound to lock it out.

Compartmentalization: A tree walls off the damaged part. It stops the hurt from spreading to the rest of the trunk.

Fire scars: Low fires burn the inner layer. The tree grows a distinct mark right inside its annual ring.