Forestry and horticulture Girdling

yellowing of alder leaves due girdling.

like vascular plants, trees use 2 vascular tissues transportation of water , nutrients: xylem (also known wood) , phloem (the innermost layer of bark). girdling results in removal of phloem, , death occurs inability of leaves transport sugars (primarily sucrose) roots. in process, xylem left untouched, , tree can still temporarily transport water , minerals roots leaves. trees sprout shoots below wound; if not, roots die. death occurs when roots can no longer produce atp , transport nutrients upwards through xylem. (the formation of new shoots below wound can prevented painting wound herbicide.)

ring barking techniques have been developed disrupt or impede sugar transport in phloem, stimulating flower production , increasing fruiting, , controlling plant size, reducing need pruning.

girdling slow process compared felling , used when necessary, such in removal of individual tree ecologically protected area without damaging surrounding growth.

accidental girdling possible , activities must performed care. saplings tied supporting stake may girdled grow, due friction caused contact tie. if ropes tied tree (e.g. tether animal or moor boat), friction of rope can lead removal of bark.

the practice of girdling has been known in europe time. example girdling of selective douglas-fir trees in northern california oak woodlands, such annadel state park, in order prevent fir massive invasion of mixed oak woodland.

girdling can used create standing dead wood, or snags. can provide valuable habitat variety of wildlife, including insects , nesting birds.