Collisions epidemic
Filling-in for a vacationing foreman not too long ago, I had to mow a new section of lawn. And as I came around the corner there it was, clear evidence of fresh tree injuries. Oh, no! Like the novel coronavirus, this lawn care collision epidemic isn’t going away anytime soon.
This is a common problem: as workers try to stay in line and not go off the curb, they collide with the tree. But this can’t happen. Why?
It can’t happen because repeated collisions stress the tree as it diverts precious energy for repairs. Untouched trees will grow much better because they’re not subjected to these weekly assaults.
Wounds cal also disrupt water transport in the tree and invite diseases in.
Weekly collisions can kill the tree.
True cost
When I tell landscapers that their lawn care machines do not have the right of way, they sometimes scoff. But it’s true. Just consider the cost when a tree dies from repeated machine injuries.
There is the initial installation cost of the tree and labour. Then there is the cost of removing the dead tree and, when budgets allow, of replacing it. But by far the largest cost is the loss of free ecosystem services. Services like oxygen, shade, cleaner air, CO2 absorption, water retention and beauty.
What can you do?
Normally, creating a tree circle around the tree is a great way to keep machines away but in this case there isn’t enough space for one. So, option two would be installing plastic tree guards that lock on and deflect any machines away from the tree bark.
But the number one solution is worker training. You have to make it clear that lawn care machines can not collide with trees and shrubs and explain why. No excuses, no exceptions.
Tree health comes first. Lawns second. Period.
