Heart Rot - Prevention/control

Prevention/control

The prevention of heart rot can be a very difficult task but, there are effective measures to minimize damage. These methods include facilitating healthy growth, minimizing wounds and proper pruning of branches. A healthy tree naturally combats heart rot through a process called compartmentalization. The tree grows around the decayed wood tissue and prevents the fungus from spreading to a larger area of the trunk. Providing a tree with the necessary nutrients, water and growing conditions will promote healthy growth and minimize rot. The bark is the tree's main defense against disease; reducing the amount of large wounds and bare wood, especially in older trees, helps prevent rot.