CHAPTER XXV 

 PRACTICAL TREE SURGERY^ 



The object of tree surgery is to repair the damage done to trees by 

 the various causes previously described (page 274). The principles 

 involved in all such remedial work are the removal of all decayed, dis- 

 eased, or injured wood and bark, the cauterization, sterilization, and 

 waterproofing of the cleaned, or cut, surfaces, and the putting of the 

 tree in a condition for rapid heahng. Such treatment should be 

 watched from year to year, so that any defects will receive immediate 

 attention. 



As the work requires the application of scientific principles, no 

 ignorant laborers should be employed. The men who act as tree sur- 

 geons should have some knowledge of the structure of trees, their 

 physiology and their habits of growth. A knowledge of the general 

 principles of horticultural practice would not come in amiss, such as 

 the tenets of grafting and pruning. Such workmen would be still 

 better prepared, if acquainted with the structure, growth and life 

 histories of the common destructive fungi and insects. If a town or 

 municipality is unable to obtain such skilled labor, then the appoint- 

 ment of a superintendent, or town forester, who is acquainted with such 

 matters, should be made. Such a man should know the right thing 

 to be done and all the details of the work. 



Preventive Measures. — ^As means Oj' preventing injuries to trees, 

 various things may be done. The placing of an open tree box or fence 

 of iron, or wire netting, is important, because it protects the tree from 

 the gnawing of horses and the rubbing action of passing vehicles, or the 

 viciousness of street arabs. Proper attention to the insulation of 

 telephone, telegraph and electric wires will prevent a lot of damage to 

 shade trees. Electric linemen, unless properly supervised, have no 



' A detailed account of practical tree surgery by J. Franklin Collins will be found 

 in the Yearbook of the United States Department of Agriculture, 1913; also con- 

 sult Stone, George E.. Shade Trees, Characteristics, Adaptation, Diseases and 

 Cure, Bull. 170 Mass. Agric. Exper. Stat., Sept., 1916. 



319 



