Have you ever noticed your garden trees producing gum?
While some new gardeners may think that it's a sign of some plant illness, it's not - and it's actually a good thing!
Let's see how tree gum helps your plants.
How it works
Garden trees, and basically all trees, have a special substance called sap flowing inside them.
Sap carries water and nutrients from the roots to the leaves and back. But sometimes, trees can get hurt or damaged, just like when we get a cut or a scrape.
When a tree is wounded, it needs to protect itself. To do this, it starts producing a thick, sticky liquid known as gum or resin.
This gum oozes out and covers the injured area, kind of like a natural bandage.
Here's why trees do this.
Protection
The gum acts like a shield. It seals the wound, keeping out harmful things like bacteria, fungi, and insects that might want to get inside the tree.
Healing
Just like our bodies need time to heal when we get hurt, trees also need time to recover.
The gum helps the tree heal by creating a barrier that prevents further damage.
Prevention
It can also discourage pests and animals from coming near the injured spot, which can help the tree stay healthy.
Conclusion
So, when you see gum or resin on a garden tree, it's the tree's way of taking care of itself and making sure it stays strong and healthy.
