For many homeowners, a beautifully maintained lawn goes hand in hand with healthy, thriving trees. However, lawn care equipment like mowers, trimmers, and edgers can pose serious risks to tree health if not used carefully. In East Tennessee, where our landscapes blend mature trees with manicured lawns, preventing damage from lawn equipment is crucial to keeping your trees healthy and your property looking its best.
At Pree's Trees, we see the effects of lawn equipment damage all too often—from scarred bark to compromised root systems. In this guide, we’ll explore how lawn equipment harms trees, how to prevent it, and how professional care can help your trees recover and thrive.
Trees may appear tough, but their bark and roots are surprisingly vulnerable. Repeated contact from lawnmowers, string trimmers, and other tools can create wounds that disrupt the tree’s ability to transport water and nutrients. Over time, this can weaken or even kill an otherwise healthy tree.
Common types of lawn equipment damage include:
These issues often go unnoticed until the tree shows signs of decline—which is why preventative care is key.
For more on how to identify early warning signs of trouble, explore our article on Why Regular Tree Inspections Are Worth the Investment.
Early detection can save a tree from long-term harm. Signs to watch for include:
If you suspect your tree is struggling due to equipment damage, a certified arborist can help diagnose the problem. Learn when it’s best to bring in a professional by reading When to Call an Arborist vs. DIY Tree Care.
A simple mulch ring around the base of your tree can act as a protective barrier, preventing accidental contact from lawn equipment. Use organic mulch like wood chips and keep it 2-4 inches deep, making sure to leave a gap around the trunk to avoid moisture buildup.
Tree guards or trunk protectors provide an extra layer of defense against accidental impacts. These are especially important for young trees with thinner bark.
If you hire lawn care professionals, make sure they understand how to work safely around trees. Proper mower height and careful trimmer use can significantly reduce the risk of damage.
Plant ground covers or low-maintenance plants around tree bases to minimize the need for trimming near trunks.
Keep heavy equipment away from tree root zones. Roots often extend far beyond the canopy, so be mindful of traffic patterns around mature trees.
For trees already showing signs of stress from compacted soil, tree aeration can revitalize root systems by improving oxygen and nutrient absorption.
Preventing and addressing lawn equipment damage requires more than just good habits. Certified arborists, like the team at Pree’s Trees, provide expert assessments to identify damage, recommend protective measures, and implement treatments to promote healing.
Our services include:
Check out our Arborist Gallery to see how professional care has transformed stressed trees into thriving landscape features.
Even if your trees have sustained damage, there are ways to help them recover:
Arborists can clean and treat wounds to prevent further decay. Regular monitoring ensures any signs of disease or pest infestation are caught early.
If equipment damage has compromised a tree’s stability, techniques like cabling and bracing can help prevent breakage.
Compacted or damaged roots often benefit from aeration, fertilization, and watering programs tailored to the tree’s needs.
Open wounds can attract harmful fungi or insects. Learn more about identifying and treating these issues in our article on Common Tree Diseases in Tennessee and How to Treat Them.
The unique conditions in East Tennessee—including heavy rainfall, clay soils, and fast-growing vegetation—make trees especially vulnerable to lawn equipment damage. Moist soils are more prone to compaction, and rapid grass growth increases the frequency of mowing and trimming.
Having a trusted local partner ensures your trees get the care they need to withstand these challenges. With over 20 years of experience, Pree’s Trees understands how to balance lawn aesthetics with long-term tree health.
Healthy trees are essential to a beautiful and functional landscape, but even small mistakes with lawn equipment can have lasting effects. By creating protective zones, training crews, and partnering with certified arborists, you can keep your trees safe and strong for years to come.
If you’re concerned about existing damage or want expert advice on prevention, contact East Tennessee’s trusted tree service today. Our team at Pree’s Trees will evaluate your property, provide personalized recommendations, and help you create a lawn care plan that prioritizes your trees.
For ongoing insights and expert advice, explore our blog resources:
Your trees deserve more than just maintenance—they deserve protection. With thoughtful practices and professional guidance, you can enjoy a lush lawn and thriving trees without compromise.