Have you noticed climbing vines growing up the side of your tree's trunk? If so, you may assume they won't do much harm. In reality, vines often damage trees, and they typically should not be left alone.
But do vines kill trees? Sometimes, but not always. Schedule professional tree services in Johns Creek, GA, to assess the risk of your vines and remove them before they cause any more damage.
How Do Vines Damage Trees?
Climbing vines certainly aren't uncommon in hot, humid locales like Johns Creek. If you are like many homeowners, you might see vines on practically every tree on your property.
While vines are commonplace, they aren't harmless and can actually kill trees if left to their own devices. Here are a few ways vines damage trees:
Tree suffocation: When vines wind tightly around trees, they block airflow and constrict the trunk and branches. This essentially "suffocates" the tree, preventing it from receiving the water, nutrients, and sunlight it needs to thrive.
Moisture retention: A vine's aerial roots attach tightly to the bark, trapping moisture in the trunk. This leads to excessive moisture retention, causing mold and fungi to grow on the trunk.
Sunlight blockage: Invasive vines block sunlight from reaching the trunk. As they grow, they eventually spread across the tree's canopy, inhibiting sunlight from reaching the foliage as well. This disrupts the natural photosynthesis process and ultimately weakens the tree.
Nutrient competition: Vines need sunlight, water, and nutrients to grow just like trees do. When a vine begins growing up the side of a tree, it will compete for nutrients, stealing them from the tree.
Structural weakness: When vines wrap around the base of the trunk, they can trap moisture and decay, creating a breeding ground for fungus and bacterial disease. This damages the trunk and roots, weakening the tree.
Tree stress: Altogether, invasive vines place significant strain on trees, creating damage and killing the tree over time.
Should You Remove Vines From Trees?
So, should vines be removed from trees? In many cases, yes.
Some types of vines, such as Japanese honeysuckle and poison ivy, are invasive and will only harm the tree. But you may be able to leave certain species of indigenous vines or simply trim them to prevent them from interfering too heavily with the canopy.
This is why it is important to have a certified arborist assess your tree's health and determine the next steps. They can let you know whether the type of vine climbing up your trees is harmful, and if so, trim or remove it.
Schedule Tree Services in Johns Creek Today
Do vines kill trees? They certainly can if left unattended. Scheduling professional tree service with ArborForce Tree Services can help you keep invasive vines in check and support your tree's healthy growth.
If you're interested in hiring a professional tree care company in Johns Creek, GA, contact ArborForce Tree Services today at 470-319-6625 to request an estimate.