If you ever notice an odd-looking growth on the exterior of a tree, called a burl, it can be worrisome. What causes burls on trees, and are they dangerous? For peace of mind, expert arborists offering tree services in Mooresville, NC, can inspect these abnormal tree growths and determine the best course of action.
As a homeowner, you can also take a few steps to understand this tree stress response and to try to prevent it.
How To Recognize a Tree Burl
A burl on a tree is a lump or hump that forms on the exterior of the bark of the tree. Most of them have a round or oval shape.
Tree burls look strange, but they simply indicate an area where the tree started to grow a new branch and stopped for some reason. Insects or fungal growth in the new branch might cause the tree to react to the stress by creating the burl. An injury during the formation of the bark can cause the burl, too.
Burl wood origins can occur almost anywhere on the tree, from the trunk to the upper branches. Some older trees may have burls that are a few feet in diameter, while others can measure less than an inch in diameter.
Understanding When Tree Burls Are Worrisome
What causes burls on trees, and should you worry about seeing them? Most of the time, a burl is harmless. As long as it has bark growth over the top, the tree has protection from pests and diseases.
As they’re forming, burls can continue to expand in size or add bark over a series of years. If you spot the early signs of burl growth, it might resemble an open wound on the tree. An arborist can inspect the tree and inform you whether it’s a burl or a wound that requires treatment while it heals.
Ways To Prevent Burls
If you’d rather avoid having burls form on your trees, try to keep the trunk dry while the plant is growing. A tree that has segments of rough bark that collect water after a rainstorm might be more susceptible to burl formation.
Additionally, watch the tree for signs of insect infestation. Call a professional for treatment if you suspect insect damage. Although insects causing burls are generally harmless, insects can create far more serious damage in other areas of the tree.
If you see them, do not cut burls out of the tree. This causes a wound that could endanger the plant’s health. Ask an arborist for help.
Call Tree Tech Tree Services for Help With Burls and Other Issues
What causes burls on trees, and is it one of the common causes of tree death? Rather than spending time worrying about what might happen with the burl and adding to your stress level, let our experts give you the facts about the causes of burls.
We’ll inspect the tree burl formation and determine the best response to maintain the tree’s health. For a free inspection and cost estimate, contact Tree Tech Tree Services today at (704) 799-5796.