How Consistently Do Arborists Assess Likelihood of Stem Failure Due to Decay?

Decay is a common defect that occurs in all parts of a tree. Decayed wood has very little strength and often leads to hollows, cavities or both. When decay or a hollow is present in a tree part, its load-bearing capacity is reduced. The amount of reduction depends on the extent of decay – how much is present and where it’s located in the cross section.