There is a silver birch tree on common land near me with something half way to two thirds up. It looks a bit like a large cluster of brazil nuts all stuck together to make a large ball (about the size of a football). The bark on the birch is peeled back around it, almost like it has grown out of it.
I think it is either an insect nest or a natural growth of some kind. I've searched the web but can't find anything... Does anyone know what it could be?
I'd love to know!!
2007-04-16 02:12:12 · 6 answers · asked by Anonymous in Home & Garden ➔ Garden & Landscape
To add onto all the other advise that has been given there is a chance you can collect some Mistletoe from it in the winter around Christmas.
2007-04-20 02:19:40 · answer #1 · answered by puddog57 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'm thinking it's a burl.
A burl is a rounded outgrowth on a tree trunk or branch. They are filled with dormant buds. They are not knots. It is unknown what causes the plant to grow these strange growths, some say injury.
Burls yield a very peculiar and highly figured wood. There are a number of famous burls (each from a particular species, for example Bird's Eye maple); these are highly valued and used as veneers in furniture, picture frames, household objects, automobile interior paneling and trim, and woodturning. Birch burls are prized by wood turners who make beautiful bowls from them.
In some tree species, burls can grow to great size. Some of the largest occur in redwoods (Sequoia sempervirens); when moisture is present, these burls can grow new redwood trees.
2007-04-16 02:33:06 · answer #2 · answered by fluffernut 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
When I was visiting family in Ontario last fall, I saw clumps similar to your description in various trees, and was told that they were squirrel nests (they have very large squirrels in Ontario). It may also be a natural growth on the tree from disease, or injury, which is called a burl.
2007-04-16 07:18:58 · answer #3 · answered by June B 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
At one time the tree sufferd an injury and what you are seeing is a natural effect. The tree has formed a scab and they are commonly reffered to as a burl cluster.
2007-04-16 04:22:26 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
After you have asked your neighbour if you can trim a few branches back,why not make it an area for woodland and shade loving plants. There are plenty of ferns, grasses and shrubs which will grow in this aspect. Also bulbs, corns and flowers that enjoy the shelter. One side of my garden is exposed, the other side is heavily shaded most of the year. It took me a while to realise that it was an advantage. I now have a variety of plants of all diverstities.
2016-05-21 02:43:49 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sounds wierd, my first thought was a hornets nest, I would see if some one from your county agent could come and look at it, the only thing I can think of is a type of Gall, call your Agriculture dept. Would like to know what it is.
2007-04-16 02:21:31 · answer #6 · answered by watergoddess53 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋