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Can a bald cypress tree knees be removed "Without harming the tree?" That was an interesting
question. And
again we have Joellen here, who knows a little bit about trees. So we are just so fortunate
and lucky. So Joellen what do you think about that?
- Ya sure, I don't see any reason why you can't cut those. If they're in the way or
if they're a nuissance and they're bothering you, sure. I mean there's plenty of roots
everywhere
else.
- Those roots are pneumatophores, is what they are, and they're aerial roots that specialize
in gaseous exchange. Especially in wet soil.
- Yes that's pretty much why. They're looking for air. Cuz they're underground, the rest
of the roots are underground. Ya.
- Walt anything to add to that?
- No, that's pretty much it. Of course I guess technically anytime you cut something you
open it up to something, disease.
- Which could be a concern. As long as the tree is not weak I think you'll be fine. You
know open wounds could serve as an entry point for pathogens, or insect pests, but I did
talk
to Dr. Murker you know recently about, you know, bald cypress and the knees, and he was
like if you ever needed to remove those, he said the best time to do that would be in
the
winter. So it would be January February because you wouldn't have to deal with insect pests.
And some of those spores. So, and here's the thing, You know in my own neighborhod I've
seen people hit it with lawn mowers, and the trees still tend to be pretty healthy for
the most part. So you just have to be careful because you can just about tear up a blade
with
those trees.
- Tough stuff.
- Tough stuff, I thought that was an interesting question. You know cuz, we always do see the
knees, you know so.
- They eventually show up.
- They eventually show up don't they?
- And also if you plant one of those trees know that that's something that you will get
down the road. Now we always talk about planting the proper tree in the proper place and all
that. So kinda know what you're getting into.
- You have to know the characteristic of the tree.