Why Are There Bumps On My Trees?

bumps-or-burls-on-tree-trunk-davey-tree.jpg

Walking around our lawns, inspecting our gardens during summer can be a nice way to get outside and enjoy some fresh air.

But then you notice your trees are getting infested with large bumps you have never seen before.

They resemble some type of tumor? But for trees?

These large, round bumps are called burls.

What are burls?

Burls are a collection of tree cells, or callus tissue that was formed in response to some sort of injury that wasn’t healed properly. Although the burls might be cosmetically unappealing on the outside, they typically do not cause any real harm to the tree. In fact, to wood workers, burls are a prized possession because of the unique twists and curls formed on the interior. These are commonly used for veneer panels, inserts, and furniture slabs.

Should I remove the bumps on my trees?

Trying to remove the burls yourself actually poses a larger risk for your trees than just leaving them be. By cutting these large burls off, you leave a large wound on the cambium layer of your trees, leaving them open for pests, diseases and decay to quickly generate. So, though they might be unsightly, the best practice is just to leave the burls alone.

However, you should get to the root of the cause for the burl and address that before it turns into a larger issue. Having an ISA certified Arborist inspect your trees can provide you with spectacular insight to your trees, how to care for them and what to look out for. Be sure to click the link below to be connected with an Arborist for concerns about bumps of your tree today!

Call an Arborist!

North American Tree Service
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