Post #207252 by TikiJosh on Fri, Jan 13, 2006 12:13 AM

I don't know about causing pain, but depending partially on the type of tree, it might be a good way to kill it. Woody stems (as opposed to fibrous stems like palms) have their vasucular tissue located along the outer part of the stem, under the bark. The vascular tissue carries water up from the roots, sugars and stuff down from the leaves. If you carved into the vascular tissue you might effectively cut off the water and food supply, killing the tree.