Can Herbicides Harm Trees?

Most homeowners in Sheboygan County are fans of herbicides. After all, everyone wants a lush, green yard that’s weed-free, and sometimes you need chemicals to seal the deal. That said, it’s important to use them correctly. Some herbicides only kill certain types of weeds. Others can quickly kill anything they come into contact with — which begs the question: Can herbicides harm trees?

This is a good question, and the quick answer is yes. While your trees may look big, strong, and invincible now, herbicides harm trees by drifting onto them and being absorbed by their roots. The next thing you know, you’ve got a really sick and potentially dying tree!

Common signs that herbicides harmed your trees include but aren’t limited to the following:

  • Leaf cupping, curling, and twisting
  • Stunted branch growth
  • Leaf discoloration (reddish, purplish, white)
  • Leaf scorching
  • Leaves with dead spots

How Can I Keep My Trees Safe From Herbicides?

The first step is to apply the herbicides correctly. Read all instructions carefully, and don’t over-apply or spray weedkillers haphazardly. Stick to the areas where you have significant weed problems and only use herbicides that combat the specific issue you’re having with your lawn. When possible, avoid spreading weedkiller anywhere near your trees. This will automatically decrease the risk to trees.

If using herbicides scares you from a health standpoint, you’re not alone. In these cases, you may consider alternative methods that protect you and your family and keep herbicides from harming trees.

  1. Manually pull your weeds. 
  2. Suppress weed growth with proper mulching.
  3. Using ground cover plants can crowd out weeds and reduce growth.

When In Doubt, Call a Tree Professional

One of the many benefits of working with professional tree services in Wisconsin is that many of them have trained arborists who can spot common tree issues before they become a bigger problem. This includes potential diseases and matters arising from herbicides.

Clean Edge Tree Service Wisconsin wants to be your expert tree partner. We offer free estimates and will answer any questions or concerns you may have. You can depend on our commitment to quality and our vast knowledge of what trees need the most. When it comes to trees in Sheboygan County, you won’t find anyone better.

When you search “tree service near me” or “tree service Wisconsin” for your residential and commercial tree service needs, Clean Edge Tree Service Wisconsin should be your first call every time.

Call Clean Edge Tree Service Today!

Clean Edge Tree Service Wisconsin is your residential and commercial tree removal and 24-7 storm clean-up pro in Sheboygan and surrounding areas. We are family-owned and operated by arborists who have deep personal roots in this community, which means we have the equipment and experience to tackle any tree project you throw our way safely and efficiently. 

Do you need to trim a few branches or remove a stump? We do that. Did your tree fall over in a storm? We’ll be there for whatever emergency storm clean-up needs you have. Call Clean Edge Tree Service today!

Large Pine tree that needs proper care