If you suddenly notice an odd growth on the trunk or limbs of a tree in your yard, you may have concerns about the plant’s health. What causes a burl in a tree, and how can you fix it? Professionals offering tree services in Garberville, CA, can explain what you’re seeing and offer proven solutions to manage the issue.
Recognizing Tree Burls
A tree burl is a lumpy growth that appears on the bark of a tree. It most commonly grows on the trunk where the thickest bark exists, but these lumps could appear on any branch or limb.
Some burls are extremely small, meaning you may not notice them. Others are large and have a gnarly shape, almost resembling a giant wart or bulge on the bark.
Understanding Why Burls Form
Suddenly noticing odd growths on tree trunks can leave you wondering, “What causes a burl in a tree?” One of the reasons trees develop burls is an insect problem. When boring insects or beetles cause damage to the inner layers of bark, the tree grows more bark over the injured area to help protect it.
Some other causes of tree burl growth in Garberville, CA, include environmental stress and physical damage to the tree. If someone strikes the bark with a lawnmower or vehicle, the tree might grow a burl to try to help the tissue heal. When a tree is not receiving enough water and nutrients due to drought or compacted soil, it might develop a burl as part of an abnormal growth pattern brought on by stress.
When a tree is infected by fungi, it might respond by forming a burl to protect its tissues. The growth layers in the burl could isolate the fungi.
What You Should Do With Burls
Once you have an understanding of how infections and injuries can lead to tree burls, you can decide how to proceed. You shouldn’t worry about a couple of individual burls, as they are probably harmless. However, if you see several new burls at once, call a professional for an inspection to determine if the plant has a serious health problem.
Most professionals would not recommend removing burls. Cutting them away would damage the protective bark layer and potentially expose the tree to further insect infestations or diseases. It’s usually better to leave them alone while monitoring them. If you see sudden changes, ask a professional for an inspection.
Count on 3 Dads Tree Service for Help With Maintaining Tree Health Throughout Your Property
So, what causes a burl in a tree, and should you worry about it? Most burls are harmless, but you can have a professional inspect them if you’re concerned. If your trees are experiencing environmental stress factors that cause tree burls, the experts at 3 Dads Tree Service can find solutions to keep the trees healthy. For example, protecting trees from extreme heat and avoiding injuries to the bark may help you avoid seeing burls.
For a free cost estimate for any of our tree care services, contact us today at (707) 506-6602.