My Friggin' Neighbor

friendly_neighbor

One of my neighbors saw another of my neighbors dumping and spraying bleach on the Silver Maple in my yard. It is a decent size tree...maybe 30 ft tall.

From what I was told they were spraying and dumping the bleach all over the trunk and base of the tree.

How bad is this for my tree?

I'm setting up a security camera to catch them in action and then will take actions accordingly, but how much time do I have?

Also, any ideas on how to protect the tree or reverse any affects that the bleach may have had?

Thanks,

Friendly Neighbor

Eric Frei

Bleach is highly alkaline, like 12.6

Soil may have to be neutralised, do pH checks, sulphur (diluted in watering can) is used to make soil more acidic.

This is a balancing act, act fast. Most chemicals for cleaning, like dish washing powder etc are highly alkaline not acidic as people think.

Take multiple pH measurements at various locations and various depths, aim for a 6.5 end result. Most good nursery's sell pH checkers, remember, sulphur is used to make soil more acidic and you need to go from 12.6 or so back down to 6.5

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friendly_neighbor

Hi Ekka,

Thanks for the info. I will definitely test the soil and make some adjustments if needed.

I noticed too that some of the bark near the ground (I'm guessing where the bleach has been repeatedly poured) is missing and very smooth white wood is showing through.

Is it best to leave this exposed, should I bury it under dirt, or cover it with something else?

Thanks,

The Friendly Neighbor

Eric Frei

Need pics, but missing bark is bad, do not cover with soil.

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