What can I put on the outside of larger trees to protect from a sprinkler hitting it, Flex Seal? - Ask Extension
Every year my wife and I go back and forth about my sprinklers hitting tree trunks. What can I wrap, spray, coat the trees with to make her happy? Tha...
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What can I put on the outside of larger trees to protect from a sprinkler hitting it, Flex Seal? #868170
Asked May 13, 2024, 11:13 AM EDT
Every year my wife and I go back and forth about my sprinklers hitting tree trunks. What can I wrap, spray, coat the trees with to make her happy? Thanks
Washington County Minnesota
Expert Response
Hello, here's hoping this will settle it.
Rain hits trees all the time so the sprinkler is not going to harm your tree's bark. Any wrap, spray, or coating will certainly do more harm.
I would recommend making sure no mulch around the tree touches the bark at the base. Mulch does a great job of keeping moisture in the soil but when bunched up against the tree's base, it makes for a great environment for fungi which can lead to rot. Keep it a good half foot away from the tree.
Good-luck!