What shape does wound wood that closes over a properly executed pruning cut form on a young tree?

When a young tree experiences a pruning cut and has a properly executed wound, the wound wood that forms as the tree heals tends to create an approximate circle. This is primarily due to the growth patterns of the tree's cambium layer, which is responsible for producing new cells for both the bark and wood.

During the healing process, the cambium layer grows outward from the edges of the cut, promoting the formation of callus tissue that overlaps the wound. As this callus tissue develops, it usually expands uniformly around the cut, resulting in a rounded shape that resembles a circle. This shape is essential as it promotes a more effective healing process, allowing the tree to close the wound securely and maintain structural integrity.

In contrast, other shapes such as a square, triangle, or irregular form would indicate complications with healing or improper pruning practices. A square may not allow the cambium to heal uniformly, while a triangle or irregular shapes may suggest uneven growth or stress on the tree, leading to potential structural weaknesses or disease susceptibility. Thus, the rounded shape of well-healed pruning cuts is integral to the overall health and longevity of young trees.