Welcome to this post that will talk about the disadvantages of eucalyptus. If you are a fan of this tree and variety then the unfortunate news is that there are quite a lot of problems with it.
Some of these include the leaves being very toxic if eaten raw. They can cause nausea and severe stomach pain, it can even be fatal if you consume too much. But the impact the tree has on the environment and soil is also noticeable.
In this article, we will be discussing the topic of the disadvantages of eucalyptus. Follow along and you might learn a thing or two!
Eucalyptus Disadvantages
Just like we said at the beginning of this article here, the disadvantages of the tree are many. Some of these include that the tree has some really toxic leaves that you should definitely try and avoid.
The natural oils in the leaves are what is toxic and if you would just consume a teaspoon the result can be fatal. But even though this is proven, natural oils are still widely used in making candles and shampoo for example.
We also talked about the disadvantages of the eucalyptus tree on the soil. Here it can be pretty impactful as it pushes out other plants. As the leaves are falling to the ground they start to decompose and eventually make the soil turn sour. The pH will be lowered.
This lower level of pH makes it very uninhabitable for other plants to be growing nearby. This way the eucalyptus tree has a much easier time establishing itself and over time the only thing growing there will be eucalypts.
As the area slowly becomes only of eucalyptus trees the biodiversity has taken a big hit. This does not only impact plant life but also wildlife. A lot of animals are dependent on certain trees and plants growing nearby. Without this, survival becomes a lot harder.
Are you curious about the smell of eucalyptus and mint? The similarity between them is definitely there and in this article, we will be discussing that more in-depth, Does Eucalyptus Smell Like Mint.
Why You Should Not Plant Eucalyptus
There are many reasons for not planting a eucalyptus tree. We are going to assume that you want to do it at home in the garden. The biggest reason not to is the root system.
The roots not only grow very deep, they also grow very wide. This makes it difficult for other trees and plants nearby. But it can also impact your house if you have planted the tree too close.
About 20 feet away should be sufficient. This way we can avoid having the roots eventually having an impact on the groundwork under your house.
Growing eucalyptus at home also requires that you clean up after it. We don’t want the leaves to decompose on the ground and make them turn sour. So removing them will keep the rest of your garden safe from harm’s way.
If you would like to learn more about the eucalyptus leaves and whether they are poisonous then we have the perfect article for you. Find it here, Are Eucalyptus Leaves Poisonous To Humans?
Are Eucalyptus Harmful
The eucalyptus tree can be very harmful if you were to consume the leaves on its own. They contain natural oils that if consumed too much can be fatal for you. Not more than 1 small teaspoon will have this devastating effect.
But there are people using the leaves to boil for at least 5 minutes and then inhaling the fumes. This has proven to help with respiratory problems. If you were to drink the water that the leaves have been boiling in, it can help with a sore throat.
The eucalyptus tree also is harmful in the wild to the wildlife and the general diversity of plants and trees. It’s a very competitive tree that can quickly push out other ones and establish itself as the only one in an area.
