Print This Page

Vines on Trees - a No-No! Newsletter


Subscribe to FREE weekly newsletter   Newsletter Archives

 

 

content_img.8671.img.jpg
Newsletter

 

Vines on Trees - a No-No!

 

It’s time again to get the ivy and other vines off of and out of the trees. Vines should simply not be allowed to grow on trees. In the tops of trees, the vines reach out beyond the foliage and block the sunlight. With sunlight cut down, photosynthesis is reduced and tree health suffers. Plus it just looks messy.

 

content_img.11262.img.jpg>

 

English ivy and other clinging vines and groundcovers are also a problem on trunks of trees. First of all the foliage blocks light and air, limiting the breathing that bark is designed to do. The vines collect organic material in the form of loose bark, dead leaves, dust and other debris. This mixture creates soil that collects in crotches, but worse, it builds up on the root flares of trees. Long term this creates a condition similar to trees being planted too deep in the ground. Girdling, rot and even death can result. At the very least, tree health and growth are reduced. Some people say it’s okay to leave these plants on the trunks of trees. Their advice is very bad. I used to make the same mistake.

 


   Vines on trees can cause serious damage

 

This is an important fall/winter maintenance procedure for everyone with trees. Remove all vines and groundcovers from trees completely. Also remove the plants from at least 12" around the base to expose the trunk/ root flare. If soil and/or mulch are covering the flare, they should be removed as well. See Root Flares.

 

content_img.11263.img.jpg

 

You will be fascinated how much this procedure improves the health and growth of your volunteer trees. Here's some useful information on Planting Trees,Treating Sick Trees and a video on the vine issue.

 

If you have any questions on this newsletter or any other topic, tune in Sunday 8 am -11 am (CST) to the Dirt Doctor Radio Show. Listen on the internet or find a station in your area. The phone number for the show is 1-800-281-8255. Please share this newsletter with everyone in your address book and all of your friends on FacebookInstagram, and Twitter (X) to help me spread the word on organics.

 

Naturally yours,

content_img.7396.img.jpg
Howard Garrett

 

Click Here to View Past Newsletters


Join the Organic Club of America.

content_img.9759.img.jpg

Membership supports TORC.


Forward this newsletter to family and friends and ask them
to subscribe to Howard Garrett's Free E-Newsletter.
Dirt Doctor, Inc. P.O. Box 140650 Dallas, TX 75214
Copyright(c) 2024

If you no longer wish to receive Howard Garrett's Weekly Newsletter,
click reply and put Unsubscribe in the subject line.

content_img.8055.img.png

content_img.8056.img.jpg

content_img.8059.img.png

 

First Published  2014

 

 

 

 

  Search Library Topics      Search Newspaper Columns