Prestige Tree Experts: Jessup’s Professional Tree Service

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What Causes Burls on Trees, and Are They a Cause for Concern?

Annapolis Junction, United States – June 12, 2026 / Prestige Tree Experts /

A swollen lump on a tree trunk can make any homeowner worry about hidden damage. However, a burl is often a growth response rather than an immediate tree emergency.

Before comparing tree trimming types, homeowners should know which growth should be left untouched. In this press release, Prestige Tree Experts explains what causes burls in trees and when Jessup homeowners should request a professional inspection.

What Causes Burls on Trees, and Are They a Cause for Concern?

Tree burls are rounded, swollen growths that can form on a tree trunk or branch. These growths develop when cells divide abnormally, creating a raised lump within the wood and bark. This abnormal tree growth often develops after the tree experiences stress. In many cases, the tree can keep growing normally without immediate decline.

Common Triggers Behind Tree Burl Formation

Learning what causes burls in trees can make unusual growths easier to understand. Possible triggers may include the following:

Pest activity: Insect damage may stress wood tissue and contribute to unusual growth.
Physical damage: A mechanical injury from equipment can cause the tree to repair itself unevenly.
Weather strain: Prolonged environmental stress can disrupt normal growth patterns.
Natural changes: Some burls appear because of random changes within the tree itself.

When Tree Growths in Jessup, MD, Deserve a Closer Look

Most burls do not require urgent attention, but these signs may warrant an inspection by Prestige Tree Experts:

Growth near the trunk base: A large burl near the base may compromise structural support.
Soft tissue around the burl: Oozing or weakened wood may suggest decay.
Declining nearby branches: Dead limbs or thinning leaves may show the tree is under stress.

Why Cutting Off a Burl Is Usually a Bad Idea

Removing a burl may seem like a simple way to improve a tree’s appearance. However, doing so damages the protective tissue beneath the bark. The resulting wound may expose the tree to decay or disease, slowing the tree’s natural response to stress. In most cases, leaving the burl untouched protects the tree better.

What a Tree Service Expert in Jessup, MD, Wants Homeowners To Know

A burl can look alarming, especially when it changes the tree’s shape. However, its location and the condition of the surrounding bark matter more than appearance alone.

Burls are not contagious because they come from the tree’s own growth response. Burl wood can have unique grain patterns that woodworkers value.

How Homeowners Can Monitor a Burl Safely

Homeowners can photograph the burl once each season from the same angle and distance to track visible changes. This simple record gives a tree care professional a clearer way to compare growth patterns during an inspection. Avoid poking or drilling into the burl, since unnecessary contact can damage bark and expose sensitive tissue.

About Prestige Tree Experts

Understanding what causes burls in trees helps homeowners avoid unnecessary cutting. When a growth raises concern, the trained tree care team at Prestige Tree Experts can provide a professional assessment and clear next steps. Property owners can reach out to them for quality tree service throughout Jessup, MD, by calling (240) 281-3334.