As a property owner, you’re probably familiar with the complexities of interior and exterior maintenance. Like many residential and commercial property owners, however, you may not know how to correctly care for the trees on your land.
Fortunately, our team at Island Tree Service can help. We’re your source for a certified arborist in Fort Myers, Florida, providing consultation, emergency tree services, tree removal, trimming, and more.
In this blog, we cover one of the most-asked questions about tree care: do vines kill trees? To learn more about tree care, our company, or our services, schedule your consultation with Island Tree Service today.
Types of Vines That Grow On Trees
Virginia Creeper
Also known as five-leaved ivy or five-finger, Virginia creeper comes from the grape family. This climber is thick and woody and can climb vertically or spread horizontally as a groundcover.
Virginia creeper grows aggressively and can create a thick foliage cover. When this foliage reaches its thickest point, it may pose problems for trees and other plants.
English Ivy
Sometimes called the common ivy or European ivy, English ivy thrives in various conditions. This perennial climbing vine can attach to buildings, trees, or any vertical surface by exuding a glue-like chemical.
English ivy might damage the tree’s bark as it climbs and can overtake trees in a single season if left unaddressed.
Poison Ivy
Native to Asia and North America, poison ivy famously inflicts allergic reactions on unsuspecting passersby. The leaves of this plant contain an oily resin known as urushiol that typically results in itching, redness, and other skin irritations.
Like other types of vines, poison ivy may climb trees and slowly grow dense foliage, covering limbs and branches.
If you need to identify vine species on your property, consult with the certified arborists at Island Tree Service to learn more.
How Vines Can Damage Trees
Vines can damage mature trees in several ways and can be especially detrimental to young or growing trees.
Foliage Blocking
Many types of vines produce dense foliage. When these vines reach canopy height, they may grow onto limbs and branches, eventually blocking the tree’s ability to photosynthesize light.
Over time, the tree’s reduced ability to make food from sunlight can lead to limb die-off or even tree death.
Bark Damage
Many vine species form aerial roots, which may hook into a tree’s bark. By absorbing nutrients from the tree’s bark before the tree can use them, aerial-rooted vines may cause trees to wither and eventually die.
Vines may cause damage to trees in other ways, including promoting pest infestations, covering signs of designs, etc. Keep your trees healthy year-round by scheduling regular inspections with a certified arborist.
Invasive vines aren’t the only species that pose a risk to trees. Many vine species are actually native plants. It takes a trained eye and considerable plant knowledge to identify which vines may harm your trees and other flora.
How To Remove Tree Vines
Now that you know the answer to the question “Do vines kill trees?” you may wonder if you can harm a tree by removing vines.
Without the proper procedures and tools, removing a vine can damage a tree or result in its death.
To protect you and your trees, rely on a professional tree service to safely and effectively treat any tree vines on your property.
Vine Removal From Trusted Tree Professionals
Do Vines kill trees? Yes, but that isn’t the end of the line. By working with our team at Island Tree Service, you can help your trees live healthier for longer.
To learn more about vine removal, removing tree roots above ground, or other tree services, call Island Tree Service at 239-463-5121 today.