Discolorations and Decay from Increment Borings
George H. Hepting, Elmer R. Roth, Bailey Sleeth · Journal of Forestry · 1949
Abstract During recent years, studies of damage from increment borings in tree trunks have been made in Minnesota, the Northeast, Pennsylvania, and the southern Appalachians. This paper presents new data from Pennsylvania and the southern Appalachians and comparative data from the Lake States and the Northeast. Borings result in extensive discoloration and sometimes decay in many of the hardwoods, particularly the diffuse-porous species. Borings should be held to a minimum, and the holes should be made as near the ground as practicable, to minimize the damage to the butt log.