Deerfield Nature Trail Stop 4: Beech Tree Burl

Burls form over damaged sections of the tree.

NPS Photo/Conrad Provan

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Trailhead

When a tree experiences some type of stress in its wood, a burl will form over the damaged or distrubed area. Burls can be caused by a variety of factors such as damage from insects, viruses, or environmental conditions. Burls can form on any part of the tree, even underground where damage can be more prevelant to the roots. A tree can still grow and fully function with burls.