Is Poplar Tree Poisonous To Horses? 4 Surprising Facts!

Is poplar tree poisonous to horses? Many things are seen around that can pose a threat to our pet horses. But are poplar trees one of them? According to some research, a poplar tree is poisonous for horses because it is also poisonous for animals, even humans.

Horses are herbivores and are primarily placed in a barn with many trees or in an open backyard. Usually, a lot of trees are there since nature comes first. However, when we are to take care of these animals, we need good surroundings.

We want to make them feel at home. Poplar trees are familiar to some places because they grow faster than regular trees.

They are usually seen in temperate regions in the northern part. Unfortunately, these trees also have a shorter life span.

The pros and cons of this tree growth are somehow even. But, again, you might or might not have this in your place.

 

Are Poplar Tree Poisonous To Horses?

If you are staying in a place where many wild poplar trees are growing and have horses to take care of, you should be wary of the question, Is poplar tree poisonous to horses?

Horses are known for eating grass, leaves any plant-based food. It makes them digest fast and feel better. But then, not all trees and weeds are suitable for your horses. Some could be a little bit off or poisonous for them.

Poplar trees are considered to be lethal or poisonous for horses because of the content it has. According to our research, one horse owner had shared his experience when his horse at barks and leaves of poplar trees. His horses had experienced severe laminitis and colic. That is very dangerous for your horses.

Now, you have to be very careful with poplar trees on your horses. It is poisonous enough that it can affect other body parts of your horses. Let us know more about the facts regarding laminitis and colic in horses.

 

Fact #1. About laminitis

We have mentioned that laminitis can also be caused by poisonous tree poplar. Laminitis is known to be a common disease for horses, even ponies, and donkeys. It can be one of the most painful they could ever encounter. Unfortunately, this is a recurrent and super painful experience for horses.

It damages the laminae or the tissue bonding from on the wall called hoof and up to the bone pedal on your horses hoof.

Furthermore, when not cured in an instant, it can develop into a bigger problem concerning your horses’ health. That can be a reason for the sinking of the pedal bone, and of course, it would rotate the hood under your horses’ weight.

In some worse cases, the penetration of the sole area of the horses’ foot sole by the pedal bone happens. If you think this is just a simple thing to deal with, we would want you to know that 7% of death for horses is caused by laminitis.

 

Fact #2. Colic (belly pain)

Colic is a local term used in describing abdominal pain. These problems are usually occurring in the horses’ intestinal issues. Usually, the problem develops from not just one but 70 different diseases that can cause colic.

It would range from something durable and easy to handle to a severe pain level that they could no longer govern. This one could happen when your horses get to eat the bark or even the leaves of that poplar tree.

To avoid this kind of matter, you should be more responsible and keep track of what your horses are taking in.

If you have a lot of popular trees in your area, you should take this problem seriously. Poplar trees are indeed not for your horses.

 

Fact #3. What are poplar trees?

This kind of tree can be hazardous to animals, especially your horses, but poplar trees are pretty helpful. One of the best things about it is that you can use it in so many ways because the tree itself is so soft.

You can use this upon making some cardboard boxes, veneer, and even papers that we use daily.

Many people are also interested in planting these trees to be produced as functional pieces mentioned above. It is easy to identify from other trees because of its unique features from the tree and its leaves.

Poplar tree has been known for the unique color of its bark. It can be in gray, black or white. The shapes of its leaves are also different in that it has an ovate or triangular shape.

A common poplar tree is usually one that has white-colored barks and green and white leaves. One more thing about it is that it could have a fresh balsam scent.

 

Fact #4. How do we kill a poplar tree?

When you are left with no choice and want to eliminate the poplar trees, we have little advice. Here’s what you need to do, in killing a poplar tree, one of the parts, you have to focus on its stump. A stump is the part of the tree that has been left after you cut it off, and it can grow again.

You can try to find external chemicals or any other substance you can use to help the stump decay faster. Another option is grinding the stump, but it will take a lot of effort and time. It also requires excellent tools.

 

Conclusion

Is poplar tree poisonous to horses? These questions should no longer concern you, for we have put an end to them.

Yes, poplar trees can be poisonous not only to horses but to all other animals. In addition, it can result in a more significant infection.

All you need to do is stop its growth and kill the tree to avoid instances where your horses can eat its bark and leaves.