Maintenance of orchard grounds should be done with care. Weed eaters and mowers can cause damage to tree trunks, tree shoots, and shrubs. Significant damage can kill the tree.
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String Trimmer and Mower Damage:
Weed eater and mowers may damage the trunk and shoots of trees and shrubs.
Once the bark has been damaged, an open wound can lead to insect damage, fungal infection, and bark splitting.
If the wound goes around entire trunk, it will kill the tree!
Mower tires also compact the soil around the base of the tree. Compacted soil restricts tree growth.
Tree damage caused by weed eater
How to Control:
Mulch around base of tree to prevent mower damage
Maintain a wide ring of mulch (at least 30” radius) around the tree. Avoid mulching against the tree trunk, as this will encourage vole feeding on the trunk.
Make sure all weeds and grass are removed from the mulch circle around the tree.
Educate the mowing crew about tree damage, or do the mowing yourself.
Wrap the tree trunk with window screen material in high damage areas.
Resource: Patrick L. Byers, Horticulture Specialist