Forestry Memories

Treatment of tree stump with urea solution

Treatment of tree stump with urea solution

Date Added: 15 March 2016 Contributor: Norman Davidson Year of Photo: 1970 Picture No: 3284

The photograph is courtesy of Inverness, Ross and Skye Forest District and staff at their Fort Augustus office.

The original method of applying urea solution to a freshly cut tree stump to prevent colonisation of the stump with the fungal spores of Fomes annosus (old name – now called Heterobasidion annosus?) which would spread to the roots and infect neighbouring trees or the next planted crop.

Usually agricultural grade urea was mixed with water and a blue dye added as a marker to provide visual evidence of application. Manual fellers carried the bottle with them from tree to tree spraying the stump from the holes in the cap and brushing to provide a full cover.

Groups: Forestry in Action, Tools, equipment and clothing

4 Comments

This was a better idea than we had for treating tree stumps on first thinnings at Panmure estate in the 1970s where a small bucket and paint brush was used the only difference celicure was applied instead of urea, "keeping the bucket upright among the brash was nearly impossible." Comment left on 19 May 2016 at 22:57 by Leslie Phillip
When I first started with a felling Gang in the late 1950s, I had to follow behind the Chain Saw with a bucket full of Creosote painting the stumps.
Not only was it difficult "keeping the bucket upright", I had to keep right behind the Saw to help push the bigger trees over.
 Comment left on 22 May 2016 at 17:50 by Jimmy Thain
My early felling days was for Alistair Hunter forestry contractor at Torrachilty forest early 90s that’s when we had the luxury of a spray bottle for treating our stumps Comment left on 31 May 2024 at 19:40 by Marcus Ross
I did some manual felling in the 90s. and we would be threatened with wages docked for any un-blued stumps..
 Comment left on 11 June 2024 at 15:26 by Ian roberts
Form Goes Here