Your Neighbors. Your Arborists.
If you’ve ever spotted a weird, bumpy growth on one of your trees and thought, “What in the world is that thing?” chances are, it’s a tree burl. While it might look strange, or even a little alarming, it’s usually not something to panic about.
Read on to learn what causes burls in trees and whether they pose a threat or require assistance from a tree service in Brookhaven, GA.
What Are Tree Burls?
Tree burls are lumpy, abnormal growths that show up on a tree’s trunk, branches, or sometimes even roots. They can be small and barely noticeable or grow into huge, round bulges.
They might look odd — almost like a tree wart — but most burls aren’t a sign that something’s seriously wrong. Most of the time, they’re just the tree’s natural response to stress.
The Main Causes of Burls in Trees
Burls can form for several reasons.
Insect Infestation
When bugs like borers or beetles dig into a tree, they damage the inner layers. In response, the tree starts producing new tissue around the injured area, which can turn into a burl. Even after the bugs are long gone, the abnormal growth might remain.
Fungal Infection
Certain types of fungi can invade the tree through wounds or weak spots, causing cells to grow irregularly. This kind of fungal infection often triggers the formation of a burl as the tree tries to isolate and contain the problem.
Physical Injury
Damage from lawn equipment, vehicles, or storms can cause significant trauma to a tree. As it tries to repair itself, a burl may form as part of the healing process.
Genetic Mutation
Sometimes, it’s not bugs, fungi, or injuries at all. In rare cases, a burl just shows up thanks to a random genetic quirk in the tree’s DNA. This is less common but still a possible explanation, especially when the tree appears otherwise healthy and you can’t identify an obvious outside stressor.
Environmental Stress
Long-term exposure to pollution, poor soil quality, drought, or other adverse environmental conditions can cause tree stress. It’s not always visible, but it can still disrupt the tree’s normal growth and trigger burl formation.
Are Burls Dangerous?
Tree burls don’t usually threaten the tree’s overall health. However, very large burls can weaken a tree’s structure, making it more vulnerable to breakage during storms. If you notice a large burl, especially near the base of the tree, have it checked by a certified arborist.
Should You Remove a Tree Burl?
In most cases, it’s best just to leave tree burls alone. Removing the growths can potentially expose the tree to disease and decay.
If you’re concerned about an unusual growth on one of your trees, have an expert from Boutte Tree assess whether it needs attention. They can explain what causes burls in trees and give you tips to prevent hazardous tree diseases.
Not sure what that lump on your tree means? Call Boutte Tree in Brookhaven, GA, at (404) 647-0558. We’ll take a look and let you know if it’s something to worry about or just one of nature’s quirks.