PT - JOURNAL ARTICLE AU - Smiley, E. Thomas TI - Countersinking for Tree Bolts AID - 10.48044/jauf.1998.029 DP - 1998 Sep 01 TA - Arboriculture & Urban Forestry (AUF) PG - 245--247 VI - 24 IP - 5 4099 - http://auf.isa-arbor.com/content/24/5/245.short 4100 - http://auf.isa-arbor.com/content/24/5/245.full SO - JOA1998 Sep 01; 24 AB - When installing eyebolts and brace rods, the practice of countersinking into the xylem tissue using a chisel is common. This study was developed to assess an alternative method of cutting countersinks and to determine which method has the lower potential for introducing decay. It was determined that seating the washer on the bark rather than countersinking into the xylem produced the lowest levels of discolored wood and the lowest amounts of callus growth over washers. Data from this study support the recommendation that countersinking into the xylem be discontinued.