One of the things that threaten the life of trees is wounds. The wounds disrupt the protective outer layer of the tree parts (roots and barks, for example) and expose the inner parts of trees to harmful microorganisms like fungi. It is therefore very important that you do everything in your power to limit the likelihood of wounding your trees.
This article discusses the most common causes of tree wounds and suggests how you can limit the possibility of wounding your trees.
Imprudent Use of Yard Equipment
One of the most common causes of wounds to trees is the careless use of equipment like lawn mowers. As you cut the grass close to a tree, the cutting blade of the mower may injure the lower part of the tree, causing a wound. Avoid damaging your trees by mulching around them so that grass growth is inhibited close to the base of the tree. Avoid digging close to trees so that you do not damage their roots.
Animal Damage
Animals are another cause of wounds to trees. For instance, deer, squirrels and rabbits may feed on a tree's bark in the winter when those animals cannot easily find food supplies. This problem can be combated by installing a wire fence so that you exclude animals from the vicinity of your trees. You can also put plastic tree guards on the bark of trees to prevent rodents from nibbling on them.
Trenching
Trenching close to trees damages the tree's major roots. If you must trench close to a tree, ensure that you make a neat cut through any roots in that area so that those roots will have minimal wounds. Ripping or shredding the roots will severely hinder their ability to re-grow and the tree may die. Any disturbed soil during the trenching process should be tilled afterwards so that air penetration into the soil is not compromised otherwise the roots will die.
Insect Damage
Insects can also wound trees by boring into them. It is therefore very important for you to conduct frequent tree inspections (for instance every three months) so that any sign of insect activity is immediately dealt with. You can contact an arborist to advise you on the best way to eliminate the specific insects that are wounding your trees.
Prevention is always better than cure so do all you can to prevent your trees from being wounded instead of waiting to treat the wounds after they have been inflicted. The information above will be invaluable in helping you to keep your trees free from wounds. To learn more, contact a company like Waratah Tree Services.
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