Why am I using a word--"strangulation"--that you think only applies to people?
Because trees' circulation systems are just under their bark. That's where their fluid flow. Okay, it's not breathing air, but fluids flowing is as important to a tree as breathing air is to you! You can't live for more than about 3 minutes without breathing.
A tree can't live or grow effectively without fluid flow.
SO, DON'T TIE ANYTHING ON THE TREE!!! More than a month on the tree and they start to "dig in" to the bark.
I moved that orange twine and then took the picture. See how badly the rope was already beginning to strangle the tree.
See, a tree's natural way to grow is not only up with leaves but also AROUND in the circle of the bark. As it grows out, it meets the rope or tie and tries to grow around it but can't. It's fluids become blocked by the rope or tie. Eventually the tree gets strangled.
Yes, that includes holiday or decorative lights. Don't leave them more than a month.
This is what happens after a few months. Not only is the bark indended from the tie... but see how the tree is discolored? Harmful organisms can grow there.
And we talked about construction abuses in the #3 way. Tying things on to trees during construction is another way that some uncaring contractors abuse trees. There are other ways to accomplish what they need to do.
Another form of strangulation is carving the barks of trees. It is disrupting the fluid flow. Sometimes trees can grow through a person's "love note" but sometimes it kills the tree.
Other ways that cut off a tree's circulation of fluids: bindings, paint, nails. All bad ideas.
I know these photos are depressing, but they are things that people do that harm trees.
To find out how to help trees that have been harmed please click on the TAG called Do For Trees.
Please click to go to each of the Top 10 Ways to Hurt Trees
#10 Way to Hurt Trees: Pollution, litter, and dumping.
#9 Way to Hurt Trees: Remove the leaves from the drip zone.
#8 Way to Hurt Trees: Wrong or inappropriate use of chemicals.
#7 Way to Hurt Trees: Poor transplanting.
#6 Way to Hurt Trees: Failing to Water even mature trees in heat and drought.
#5 Way to Hurt Trees: Careless Practices and Injury
#4 Way to Hurt Trees: Cutting down nearby trees or disturbing the ecosystem.
#3 Way to Hurt Trees: Construction abuses.
#2 Way to Hurt Trees: Strangulation by ropes, ties, wires, etc.
Please check our sister website: PartnerWithNature.org.
Basia Alexander
Tree Lover. Co-founder, workshop leader, and author.
I listen to the trees' messages and share their wisdom.
Please visit my blog called THE UPSHIFT, BOOSTS BY BASIA at PartnerWithNature.org.
My passion is to upshift people's thinking about trees and Nature so that all of us together can co-create a livable planet.
