Discolorations and Decay Resulting from Increment Borings in Hardwoods

It is common practice among foresters to make increment borings in trees. In some species, such as northern hardwoods, this results in discolorations, cankers, and decay. Studies by the author show that stain, which is of chemical origin and not due to microorganisms, invariably develops in the wood adjacent to borer holes, regardless of the preventive measures used. Cankers and decay are common but not universal. Black locust plugs have no effect on stain, but reduce somewhat the incidence of heart rot.