TREE CARE

A grandstand is an important target when trees are nearby . Photos provided by John C . Fech .

By John C . Fech

Big trees can be a great asset to campus grounds or a sports field facility . Their provision of shade and stateliness is hard to beat . However , big trees with extensive decay are not an asset ; they contain a defect that could be a ticking time bomb . Decay threatens the structural stability of a shade tree like termites jeopardize a house . So , how do you estimate how much decay is there and what can you do about it ?

WHAT IS DECAY ? Decay is the result of pathogenic fungi activity , working to soften tree tissues — causing loss in structural capacity of tree trunks and limbs . Decay fungi reduce wood strength and may kill storage and conductive tissues in the sapwood . As they infect a tree , these fungi degrade the cell wall components — most notably the lignin , cellulose and hemicellulose . While almost all species of woody plants can be affected by decay , older , weaker or stressed trees are most susceptible .

There are many specific pathogens — such as white rot and brown rot — but all produce the same results . Some decay species affect mostly sapwood and conductive vessels , while others are active in the heartwood .

CONSEQUENCES OF DECAY Decay is not only a biological phenomenon . It also has potential ramifications for a sports field or campus landscape . The most common consequence is when

28 SportsField Management | November 2024 sportsfieldmanagementonline . com