Wetwood is a condition in which the heartwood becomes water-soaked due to bacterial colonization.
Understanding Wetwood
Wetwood is a specific condition that affects the heartwood of trees. It occurs when this central part of the tree trunk becomes saturated with water.
The Cause and Location
The primary cause of wetwood is the colonization of the heartwood by bacteria. These microorganisms penetrate the wood tissue, leading to the waterlogged state characteristic of this condition. The affected area is exclusively the heartwood, the older, non-living central wood of the tree.
Bacterial Characteristics
The bacteria involved in wetwood are often found in large populations within the affected wood. According to Sinclair and Lyon (2005):
- They are primarily anaerobic bacteria, meaning they thrive in environments with little or no oxygen.
- They belong to multiple genera, indicating a variety of bacterial types can cause the condition.
- They are not known to possess any host specificity, meaning they can affect various tree species rather than being limited to just one type.
While wetwood itself isn't always directly harmful to the tree's structure, the excess moisture can sometimes contribute to other issues or become evident through oozing from cracks or wounds, often with a foul odor due to the bacterial activity.
