Action: What are potential hazards of bark inclusions when working in a tree? Leave a comment to mark the lightning bolt action as complete.

So crazy thought. Do you think there was heartwood (protection wood) AKA “dead wood” in the garden of Eden before the fall / curse?

Does a double ridge with a valley in the middle always mean the wood is compromised? Do you think the rounded wound wood is weaker or stronger than normal wood?

Understanding how (and where) to make removal cuts when pruning is crucial to the tree's ability to compartmentalize decay. Managing rot post-pruning (or in the event of cavities) has less to do with keeping bugs and water out, and more to do with equipping the tree to respond well at a chemical level.

This is one reason why it's so important not to remove too many low / interior branches. A tree with reduced damping ability is more prone to stress & failure.