Weedeaters and Your Trees: Not Always a Happy Mix
Picture this: you're determined to give your yard that clean, well-manicured look. You fire up the weed eater and tackle those pesky weeds growing right around the base of your trees. It may seem harmless, but that whirring string can cause more damage than you think.
Trees: More Than Just Pretty Bark
Underneath the rough outer bark of a tree lies a vital transportation system called the phloem. Think of it like the tree's superhighway, carrying sugars produced during photosynthesis from the leaves down to the roots. This energy is what keeps your tree alive and growing.
When Weed Eaters Attack
The spinning string of a weed eater can easily strip away the protective bark and cut into the phloem. This is like putting up roadblocks on the tree's highway! Repeated damage slowly strangles the tree, preventing it from getting the nutrients it needs. It's a slow decline, but it can ultimately be fatal.
Signs of a Struggling Tree
- Thinning Leaves: A tree damaged by a weed eater may struggle to produce a full canopy of leaves.
- Stunted Growth: You may notice that the tree seems to have stopped growing or is growing much slower than usual.
- Dieback: Branches in the crown of the tree may start to die back.
- Decay and Disease: Open wounds from weed eater damage are an entry point for insects and fungal diseases.
Is There Any Hope?
Unfortunately, severe damage to the phloem is often irreversible. However, if the damage is caught early, the tree may be able to compartmentalize the wound and recover. Minor damage might be minimized with the help of a consulting arborist and proper care.
Prevention is Key
The good news is that protecting your trees is easy! Here's how:
- Mulch: Create a wide mulch ring around the base of your tree. This keeps the weeds away and protects the trunk from damage.
- Tree Guards: Inexpensive plastic guards can add an extra layer of protection.
- Careful Technique: If you must weed eat near a tree, angle the trimmer away from the trunk and avoid excessive contact.
ALCO Home & Commercial: Your Tree Care Experts
If you suspect your trees have suffered from weed eater damage, or you have any concerns about tree health, don't hesitate to call the experts at ALCO Home & Commercial. We can assess the damage, and help come up with a plan moving forward.
Remember, a little prevention goes a long way in keeping your trees healthy and thriving for years to come!