What Causes Large Holes in Tree Trunks in Colorado Springs?
Fountain, United States - July 13, 2026 / Arbor One Tree Service, LLC /
A strange, lumpy growth on a tree trunk can catch a homeowner off guard, especially when it suddenly becomes noticeable. Knowing when to call an arborist can help property owners decide whether it needs a closer look.
In this release, Arbor One Tree Service, LLC explains what causes burls on trees and what Colorado Springs homeowners should understand before assuming the worst.
What Causes Burls on Trees?
Tree burls can form for several reasons, and the sections below explain the main stress factors that may disrupt normal tree growth.
Insect Activity
An insect infestation can cause a burl to form when pests damage the wood beneath the bark. As the tree responds, it may produce extra tissue around the affected area. That defensive tissue can continue building over time, eventually creating the rounded growth associated with a burl.
Fungal Infection
A fungal infection can also interfere with normal cell growth. When fungi enter through a wound or weak spot, nearby cells may begin multiplying unevenly. The tree may then wall off the affected area, creating the irregular pattern often seen in burl growth.
Physical Injury
Physical injury may trigger a similar response when the trunk is damaged, after which a tree grows new tissue around the injured area as part of its healing process. Over time, that repair response could develop into a raised, uneven burl.
What Colorado Springs Property Owners Should Know
The following signs may suggest the tree needs closer attention:
Open or exposed tissue
Rapid size changes
Nearby decay signs
If homeowners notice any of these changes, they should reach out to Arbor One Tree Service, LLC, to determine whether the growth poses a concern.
Burls are not the only unusual tree issue homeowners may notice, so it helps to understand the difference between them. Woodpecker damage usually appears as small, patterned holes in the bark, while a tree cavity often forms when long-term decay hollows out the inner wood.
Why Removing a Burl Is Not a Simple Fix
Cutting a burl off a living tree can create a larger wound than the original growth. Because the burl is connected to the tree's tissue, removing it may expose healthy wood and make the trunk more vulnerable to decay. In many cases, leaving the burl alone is safer than trying to cut it away for appearance.
Why Tree Location Matters
The location of a tree can influence how urgently a burl should be evaluated. A growth on a tree near a driveway, walkway, roofline, or play area may warrant closer attention because any structural issue poses a greater risk in those spaces. A similar burl on a tree far from people or property may be less urgent.
About Arbor One Tree Service, LLC in Colorado Springs
Understanding what causes burls on trees can help homeowners know when a growth is harmless and when it deserves a closer look. Arbor One Tree Service, LLC provides reliable tree services throughout Colorado Springs and the surrounding areas to determine whether a burl should be monitored or may require further care. To speak with the team, residents can call (719) 304-9788.
Contact Information:
Arbor One Tree Service, LLC
9367 Bar-B Road, Fountain, CO 80817
Fountain, CO 80817
United States
Sean Stouffis
https://arboronetrees.com/
Original Source: https://arboronetrees.com/what-causes-large-holes-in-tree-trunks/
