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Scribing / Wound - Scribing is a treatment to a wound, that when done correctly, can enhance closure of the wound and can reduce long term damage to the tree. When a tree receives a wound to the trunk, such as by an auto, the target of wound scribing is removing loose inner and outer bark and shaping the wound in an eclipse. The goal is not to increase the size of the wound and not to scribe beyond the cambium zone. Scribing is best done with a large half moon chisel. Pointed sharp edges do not facilitate good closure. Timing is important. If the wound occurs during the growing season, then one would wait until after the growing season has ended, not scribing, but just removing loose inner an outer bark, not to increase wound size on penetrate the wood. Scribing is done when wounds occur during the non-growing season. DO NOT USE WOUND DRESSINGS! When a tree is wounded, you should not treat only the wound but the entire tree. Would you accept a treatment that gave you white teeth, but rotted your gums? We need to care for the soil.
This is why I believe that prompt, proper scribing of wounds can decrease the threat of rot. I do not mean digging into the wound face! I mean cutting away the torn bark, and making very shallow cuts to make clean, rounded margins about the wound.

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Click here for photo of system treatment.

See "Vandalism".

See A TOUCH OF CHEMISTRY, SHIGO, 1996

See TROUBLES IN THE RHIZOSPHERE, SHIGO, 1996

For instructions on wound scribing see
MODERN ARBORICULTURE, SHIGO, 1991.