If you want to pamper your tree, mulch it (if it's not already mulched) or extend the mulched area out a little (if it's in a smaller mulched area). Mulch -improves soil fertility and texture as it breaks down, -prevents germination of many weed seeds, -reduces competition for food and water from grass and weeds, -reduces erosion, -helps to maintain soil moisture during dry periods, -often aids drainage by preventing surface crusting and sealing, -can keep roots cooler during hot summer weather, -can help to moderate soil temperature fluctuations, -reduces frost-heaving, -reduces certain soil-borne diseases by preventing soil and fungi from splashing onto foliage, -prevents damage from mowers and trimmers, -and improves the look of the landscape.

More and more lawn herbicides are being implicated in tree problems. I only mention this because it has not been brought into the discussion yet. Not saying that'[s the case here, but a brief history of what all has gone on in the immediate area is always helpful. Note too that heroic efforts to "save" members of the cherry group are bound to fail. Just not long-lived plants, with perhaps Prunus serotina-the afore-mentioned black cherry having at least a bit more longevity. But cherries in general are prone to a multitude of insect and pathogen issues. In nature, they mostly occur as thickets composed of numerous stems, not single-stemmed trees.

There are some actual leaves in the picture. I’m pretty sure that’s what Embothrium was referring to, not the Spanish Moss.

I've not had any problems with the spikes injuring any of our dogs (past and present), but they sure can mess up Hosta leaves when they fall (for whatever reason). We got rid of most of our poplar trees due to their size, but kept 3 or 4 in the very back of our lot. They did less damage than the marauding deer the last two years though. GRRR! Four less poplars, two maples, two beeches, and a big sour wood.