We print this article with permission from Top Tier Trees, a tree service we respect and trust. It was written by one of their staff, Thomas Jolliff, an ISA-certified arborist.
Arborist Insights: Protecting Your Trees
Not all threats to your trees come from pests or disease—many are the result of preventable, everyday damage. Mechanical injuries caused by lawn equipment, vehicles, or even construction can weaken a tree’s structure, making it far more vulnerable to decay, insects, and long-term decline. The good news? Protecting against this kind of damage is simple and highly effective.
Common Causes of Mechanical Damage
- Spikes (or Gaffs) – Sharp climbing tools designed for removals, not pruning. Unfortunately, some climbers take the easy route and use them to make climbing faster, even though safe alternatives exist. Every step drives a spike into the trunk, puncturing bark and living tissue, and leaving behind permanent wounds that weaken the tree.
- Lawn Mowers & Weed Trimmers – Striking the trunk can strip bark and injure the living tissue that keeps your tree growing.
- Vehicles & Heavy Equipment – Parking or driving over root zones compacts the soil, crushing feeder roots that deliver water and nutrients.
- Construction Work – Digging, grading, or piling soil too close to a tree can suffocate roots and cause irreversible damage.
- Improper Tying or Staking – Wires, ropes, or ties left in place cut into bark as the tree expands.
Why It Matters
Bark is your tree’s natural armor. Once it’s damaged, the tree loses a key defense against pests and disease. Underground, root injuries from soil compaction or excavation can be just as harmful—reducing stability and limiting the tree’s ability to thrive.
Easy Ways to Prevent Damage
-
Keep a wide mulch ring at the base of your tree—this creates a buffer zone for lawn care equipment.
-
Avoid driving or parking over root systems.
-
Use protective fencing around trees during construction—ideally beyond the drip line.
-
Check young trees regularly for ties, wires, or stakes that could restrict growth.
Bottom line: a little prevention makes a big difference. Protecting your trees from mechanical damage today will help them stay strong, healthy, and beautiful for decades to come.