| A "catface" is an old wound on a tree trunk that is closing over. Any tree trunk could develop a catface from an injury caused by fire, vehicles, turpentine extraction, pathogens, or insects. It is not always possible to know what caused the catface by looking at it, but they are usually seen on older trees because the catface develops over time as the tree grows. |
 Photo credit: Larry Kohrnak |
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| Identifying a Catface: | A catface is usually located on the lower part of the tree trunk. There is a shallow area in the center from the injury, surrounded by a raised ridge or border. This border is produced as the healthy parts of the tree continue to grow while the injured or dead tissues in the center do not. The 'face' (shallow area) of the catface may show exposed xylem or may be covered with bark. It may also be covered with resin (which is produced when trees are injured), charcoal (from a fire) or decay. Some catfaces become avenues for insects, pathogens, and other organisms which might hollow out the tree trunk. |
| [Forest Health] |
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