It's easy to assume that a few weeds can't really damage a young tree; after all, they are so much smaller and can seem like nothing to worry about. Unfortunately, letting weeds grow around a young tree can result in everything from slower growth rates to the death of the tree. Given the cost and inconvenience of replacing a tree, this is obviously something that you want to avoid through proper weed control.
Here are just five ways weeds can harm a young tree.
1. Weeds Steal Resources
The most common problem with letting weeds grow around a new tree is that they are going to establish roots themselves and then work to steal the resources that should be going to the tree itself. Weeds grow fast, so they are very good at taking moisture from the soil. They also compete with other plants for vital nutrients, and weeds that grow tall can even block out the light that should be hitting your tree.
2. Weeds Allow Pests to Thrive
Weeds can attract pests while also giving them an ideal place to hide. This is a particular problem with weeds that grow densely, and it can be a big problem for young trees or even older ones. That's because those pests can then move from the weeds to the tree and cause serious damage.
3. Weeds Can Be Parasitic
As if stealing resources from the soil and blocking out sunlight wasn't enough, some weeds are actually parasitic. This means they can penetrate the roots of a host plant and remove nutrients that way as well as from the surrounding soil. This is a problem likely to seriously impact growth rates.
4. Weeds Can Produce Toxins
Other weeds found in Australia can produce toxins that help them thrive by inhibiting the growth of surrounding plants. In fact, you are legally obligated to report the presence of some of those toxin-producing plants and have them removed since they can cause so much damage. These weeds can also seriously damage a young tree, so this is just one more reason that proper weed control is so important.
5. Weeds Can Carry Diseases
Finally, keep in mind that weeds also provide areas where diseases can thrive, and some of those diseases can then spread to the tree. Even if the tree survives, treating diseases can be a tough and expensive process, so it's far better to ensure they aren't allowed to spread in the first place.
For more information about weed control, contact a local company.
Share13 September 2022
Hey! I'm Keith. Are you looking for tree removal advice? If so you have come to the right place. Last year, I needed some advice about how best to deal with the trees in my yard. One of the trees had started to lean and I was very worried about it. In order to deal with the problem, I called in a professional tree service and asked them to take a look at it. The contractor wasted no time and quickly removed the tree. I was really pleased with the level of service I received and I would like to encourage others to contact their local tree service.