Healing is slow and permits a succession of chemical changes, and bacterial and fungal colonization. If the succession is complete, decay will be initiated and will continue for many years. Once the decay process begins, there is no control. Consequently, prevention through the reduction of wounds from all agents is crucial to controlling heart rot. Affected trees that have any merchantable volume should be salvaged, while those that do not should be felled or girdled.
Heart rot developing on oak sprouts.
Basal heart rot on oak.