Are you worried about those odd, round bumps on your tree? As a trusted provider of tailored tree services in Holiday, FL, our crew at Stevens Tree Service identifies unusual arboreal growths on a regular basis. Learn more about your particular case here.
Identifying and Understanding Tree Burls
What causes burls on trees? These rounded, knobby lumps often appear underground in the root system, but some can also form on the trunk or branches. Trees create burls when they undergo some type of stress, and their growth tissue starts producing excess cells.
While they might look concerning, most burls do not harm the overall health of the tree. Inside, they often contain complex, swirling grain patterns prized by woodworkers. Their unique look makes them perfect for furniture, sculptures, and other decorative items.
Reasons for Burl Formation on Tree Trunks and Branches
If you want to know what causes burls on trees, here are the most common catalysts.
Genetic Mutations
Sometimes, burls are simply a result of genetic anomalies. Certain trees are also naturally more likely to develop them, including:
- Maple
- Walnut
- Oak
- Cherry
- Ash
- Elm
- Willow
If you don’t particularly like the look of burls, you might want to steer clear of these species when selecting specimens for your yard.
Fungal or Bacterial Infection
What causes burls on trees? When pathogens manage to breach a tree’s primary defenses, it might respond defensively by producing excess growth tissue.
Think of it as the tree’s way of sealing off the affected area to contain the problem. While it’s not always preventable, maintaining tree health can reduce the risk of infection.
Environmental Stress
Drought, pollution, soil compaction, and other stressors may encourage burl development. These factors put great strain on the tree and force it into survival mode, where abnormal cellular growth can occur. Keep your specimens well watered and make soil amendments when necessary to help reduce stress.
Physical Damage
Accidental injuries from pruning, animal activity, storms, or even vehicles might trigger burl growth. The tree attempts to repair itself by rapidly growing new cells, which can result in unusual shapes. Careful maintenance and protecting trees from unnecessary damage minimizes the chance of injury-related burls.
Infestations
What causes burls on trees? When wood-boring insects and other parasites tunnel into the tree, the irritation or injury they cause may prompt the tree’s defense mechanisms. If your area is prone to pest activity, consider taking proactive steps, like using insect-repelling treatments or introducing natural predators.
Can You Remove Wood Burls?
Now that you know how tree stress leads to burl formation, is it possible to remove them? If one of your favorite specimens formed one, for example, and you would prefer it to have a more uniform appearance, what can you do about it?
Experts advise against removing burls in general because you would be exposing the delicate cambium layer for no good reason. Cutting them off the trunk without doing major damage is almost impossible. This will impact the tree’s structural integrity and overall health.
The only burls that are relatively safe to remove are those that form on minor branches. You can snip them off using clean, sharp pruning shears. Just be careful not to cut too close to the branch collar to aid the healing process.
Tree Care Specialists in Holiday You Can Trust
What causes burls on trees? If you have more questions, our team at Stevens Tree Service is always happy to help. We know how to differentiate harmless growths from potentially serious issues that may harm your living landscape.
Contact us for expert advice and personalized tree care solutions today. We also encourage you to explore more of our blog to learn the importance of ISA-certified arborists.