Tree Tumors

Trees that are stressed due to weather, disease or insects are more likely to produce large growths called burls, or galls. Some artists will take these burls and make beautiful decorative bowls out of them. If you want to see some great examples of burls, hike along the Heney Ridge Trail. Approximately 2 miles from the trail head and a few hundred yards after crossing the large log bridge, you will find an area where several spruce trees on either side of the trail have large burls. There are other galls growing on trees elsewhere on this trail and other trails around Cordova and the Copper River Delta.