You don’t have to be a tree-hugger to appreciate the beauty of trees in urban centers. You just need to enjoy their view or the shade they provide from the sun on a hot day. But living so close together can result in conflict, and when it comes to trees, this is no exception. Trees are not invincible and can be damaged by a lot of things. With sidewalks and other structures encroaching on what was once open space for them, their security is threatened.
Fortunately, there’s an easy answer: tree grates. Tree grates offer security to trees in various ways and can also provide a nice aesthetic look to an area. In this article, you’ll learn how tree grates impact the security of trees.
1. They Are a Protective Measure for Trees in Urban Areas
Trees in urban areas experience problems such as vandalism, public urination, and graffiti. People may cut down or vandalize trees if they aren’t protected. Fortunately, grates can prevent this from happening and help trees thrive.
The metal bars used to make grates have openings that allow people to pass through while keeping dogs and other animals out. In addition, the spaces in between the grates may not be as deep as those found in sidewalk gratings, allowing roots to grow.
Gratings are made from different materials such as plastic, steel, and wood. Each has its advantages over the others. Nevertheless, they all protect trees from damage in any environment. The best grating to use in an area with constant traffic is the metallic one because it is durable and can withstand wear. Gratings made from wood are better for areas with less traffic because they need to be replaced after a short period.
2. They Protect the Roots of Trees From Damage
The root system is one of the most important parts of a tree, and it needs to be protected from damage. When people walk on Jonite tree grates, they cause less damage to the ground below. This saves the roots of trees from damage.
Some animals, such as deers, may easily chew protruding roots if a grate doesn’t protect them. Tree grates prevent that from happening because they have small spaces that make it hard for animals to reach the roots. Grates combined with grilles may also make it difficult for animals like squirrels to climb the tree.
Better still, grates with spikes make it hard for humans to climb the tree because they inflict pain when anyone steps on them. This is a good way of protecting trees from areas with a lot of traffic and from people who don’t care about trees.
3. They Protect Trees from Soil Erosion and Water Pollution
Tree grates prevent soil erosion and water pollution. Tree roots can provide a lot of stability to the tree, but this may only happen if they are not exposed to damage from heavy vehicles or wet conditions that cause flooding. It’s easy for runoff water to carry away soil from a tree that isn’t protected. But where there are grates, the soil is less likely to be eroded and carried away.
Tree grates not only protect trees from erosion but also help prevent water pollution. When runoff water pools, it’s very easy for bacteria and other contaminants to get into the groundwater supply and cause contamination and disease outbreaks. Tree grates keep excess rainwater at bay while still allowing for adequate drainage, especially in flooding areas.
4. They May Protect Trees From Pests
Pests, such as rodents and insects, can cause a lot of damage to trees. They may chew on tree barks or lay eggs in their branches. If these pests go untreated for too long, they can affect the tree in various ways. These animals often enter urban areas where there are more opportunities for food sources and shelter from humans. Tree grates keep these harmful creatures from destroying trees.
Their position at the tree base also discourages animals such as raccoons and possums from climbing up tree trunks in search of food or shelter. The grate prevents them from getting near the trunk’s bark area. Some tree grates even have spikes that will deter these creatures from trying to cross over onto other places.
Apart from that, they also help trees to withstand strong winds. Winds can be powerful in urban areas, and most trees cannot stand up against them. But when shielded with tree grates, trees are much more likely to withstand the wind.
The Bottom Line
Tree grates impact the security of trees in various ways. They protect the roots from being damaged by people, animals, and vehicles and prevent soil erosion and water pollution. They can also keep pests at bay. Using these devices to protect your trees is one of the first and easiest steps you can take to ensure their safety.
