What do the Four Colors Used for Trunk Decay Detection Mean?
Red indicates near-surface decay with the remaining solid wood less than 3 in (7.5 cm). Orange (less red) indicates decay with the remaining solid wood greater than 3 in. Gray indicates an internal reflector that is not decay – such as a moisture interface or a change in wood density/composition – and does not affect the tree’s structural integrity. Brown indicates solid wood.
