Weird stain in middle of tree

[james000222]

Does anyone know what is causing this staining in these trees? I just bought several acres and I am clearing some hardwoods for firewood, but am worried bc this is in several of them. [photo=medium]4876[/photo].

Thanks! J

 

[Marshy]

Looks like rot to me. What kind of wood is this? Is it soft and decomposing?

 

[ATH]

Even if it feels very solid, that is likely early stages of decay. The off shapes are the trees "walls" working to contain the decay. Very normal and nothing to be concerned with...and nothing you could do if it was.

Are there large wounds on the trees? Perhaps an ice storm came through in the past. Also see more decay like that on trees damaged during logging. Be careful to not damage good trees as you or others are working in the woods...

 

[Marshy]

Good choice to make firewood out of them before they become compost.

 

[james000222]

Thanks all! Mixture of woods - mostly what I call scrub oak. Not real sure about some of it. We did have a big storm a few years back.