single trunk girdle

Ok, we know how fun it is when you get a new toy – especially a new lawn and garden tool like a cordless electric string trimmer.  Because we are now on the verge of spring we are reminded to use such tools with caution and care.  Eye protection, ear plugs, blah, blah, blah you’ve heard this a million times right?  What about the safety of your trees and shrubs?

It is important to be cautious with your plant material and not get carried away in the sunshine of a new spring day.  Caution should be used when trimming around the base of plants  – string trimmers can girdle young trees without you even realizing the damage because the grass and weeds returns upright after being cut and hides the damage to the bark.  Use a trimmer guard or protective sleeve around the trunk to reduce this type of injury.

Earthwise Cordless Electic String Trimmer

Scientifically speaking (okay I’m a geek and I have horticulture degree) the cambium layer is active in the spring and early summer and impact to the bark can cause slipping and the bark can loosen or be torn off.

So get out your electric string trimmer and tear up those weeds and edges – but don’t touch those trees!

Tree Girdle