Extraction of Cambium Samples from Living Trees

Leather punches are described which have been used successfully for extracting wood samples from the cambium and adjacent xylem and phloem of living trees. Two punches have been used, one with a 1/2-inch cutting diameter and the other with a 3/8-inch cutting diameter. Each punch consists of a barrel, an opening for removing the sample, and the handle. The use of the punch is simple. If the dead outer bark is of no value in the particular research, it can be partially removed at the point where the sample will be cut. The cutting tip of the punch is then placed firmly against the tree stem and the handle is hit with a hammer. The punch should be perpendicular to the stem. When the proper depth is reached a slight tap to the side will break the core at the cutting tip of the punch. The punch is removed from the tree; the sample is pushed through the barrel and removed. The wound in the tree should be sealed in some manner. The punches described are simple, inexpensive, easy to use, and may be carried conveniently in a pocket.

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