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“Compartmentalization Of Decay In Trees” or CODIT for short, is a concept that was created by Dr. Alex Shigo, an American biologist and Plant Pathologist, in the 1970s. The concept is now widely referred by, and used within the Arboriculture Industry, and referenced in other publications. It is, in a nutshell, the concept that when trees are wounded or injured, many organisms decay the wood, in different ways and timeframes. Further, It is how the tree responds through chemical and physiological changes and “Compartmentalizes” the wounded or injured area to prevent ongoing decay and spread to the rest of the tree. The cells in the area of the injury, in essence, form “protection” to isolate the decay from the rest of the tree.
The tree does this by the process of activating specific cells to form 4 “Walls” of protection. The first “Wall” is the weakest, but it forms to stop the vertical spread of the decay, up through the tree’s trunk or branch. “Wall” 2 stops the outward or horizontal spread of the decay. The 3rd “Wall” is the second strongest wall, and creates a “maze-like” barrier internally near the injured area. The 4th and final “wall” is the strongest barrier which is produced on the exterior of the tree, by closing the wound with new wood.
By understanding how your tree “heals”, a deeper comprehension and connection can be made when discussing your trees’ health with your Tree Care Professional. Your Edmonton Arborist can help you further understand the information regarding CODIT, with full understanding of this healing concept and how your tree will respond to protect itself.