174 TREES AS GOOD CITIZENS 



The fungous growths which are most conspicuous are 

 those seen in the form of shelves or brackets on the trunks 

 and limbs of trees. These outward signs of attack do not 

 show themselves until the growths have taken deep root 

 in the interior, and their appearance is a sign that the 

 damage has already made serious progress. 



Prevention of fungous growths is easier and more 

 effective than subsequent treatment. In most cases the 

 attacks have their starting points in wounds or scars. 

 Without these wounds to furnish a place of lodgment, the 

 spores could rarely gain foothold. Recognition of this 

 emphasizes the importance of preventing injuries, as far 

 as this may be possible, and the necessity for giving 

 prompt healing and protective treatment to all wounds 

 which may occur, in spite of precautionary measures 

 which may have been taken. The development of injuries 

 to bark or wood is akin to the progress of decay in a tooth. 

 If immediate attention is given, decay is stopped. If 

 treatment is neglected, a slight injury may develop into 

 a serious and constantly growing cavity, with grave 

 consequences. 



Fungous growths on trunk and limbs are of many 

 varieties, but they have the same general characteristics 

 as to origin, and call for the same action as to treatment. 



Some of the common fungous growths are known in a 

 general way as heart-rots. These assume several forms 

 and attack the heartwood of many trees such as the Beech, 

 Aspen, Maple, Birch, Walnut, Oak, Hickory, Alder, Ash, 

 Poplar and others. The Oak, Ash and Maple heart-rots 

 so-called, are common on other kinds as well, so these 

 names are not distinctive and are not generally recognized 

 in connection with specific fungi. Likewise red heart-rot 

 and white heart-rot are not used specifically for any fungus 

 and are often misleading. 



