The myths of tree care are as fascinating as the tall leafy giants in your yard themselves. That’s right! In this guide, we’re going to debunk those myths that often lead to less-than-ideal tree care practices. Knowing the facts can bring clarity to your gardening responsibilities. From experienced gardeners to beginners, with these common tree myths, you’ll be on your way to giving your trees what they need to thrive.
So, grab your gardening gloves, and let’s get started!
Tree Care Myths Debunked:
Myth #1: Trees Don’t Require Pruning
Trees don’t need to be pruned. This myth is as old as the hills and is misleading. Pruning is necessary to maintain a tree’s health and beauty. A good pruning removes all the dead and diseased branches, which can be harmful to the tree’s health and longevity. Pruning helps provide better air circulation in the canopy, encouraging healthy growth. Your trees do need tidying up once in a while.
The Truth About Pruning
Proper pruning techniques prevent disease and pest infestations. It helps maintain the structural integrity of the tree, making it more resistant to incurring storm damage. The key is to prune at the right time and in the right way. For most trees, the slow growth or dormancy stage in late winter to early spring is ideal for pruning. Avoid over-pruning, always use clean, sharp tools, and make precise cuts.
Myth #2: Staking Young Trees
Let’s clarify another myth: staking newly planted trees. Staking may protect young trees, especially in windy conditions, but staking every young tree isn’t necessary. In fact, the practice can weaken trees because staking too tightly doesn’t allow the trunk to establish the strength to support itself.
Staking Done Right
If you must stake a young tree, use soft, flexible ties that don’t damage the bark. Place the stakes as low as possible concerning the trunk to give it room to sway. The flexible movement helps the tree develop trunk strength. Stakes should be removed at the end of the first growing season.
Myth #3: Topping Trees Early Reduces its Height
Widely misinterpreted as an actual proper method for tree care, topping is another myth floating about. The idea is that topping a tree keeps it short. The fact of the matter is, nothing can be further from the truth, it causes massive damage to tree growth and health.
The Damage of Topping
Most of the crown is removed with this practice, resulting in severe stress to the tree. The cuts penetrate the center of the tree, and diseases and organisms make entry holes into the cuts. Rather than topping, consider pruning strategies that remove branches to reduce height while maintaining the natural shape and health of the tree.
Myth #4: Trees Need Fertilizer
Some trees can benefit from fertilizer, but one size doesn’t fit all when it comes to application. Excessive growth and weak limbs can be signs of overfertilization, or possible root damage due to the practice.
Fertilizing Wisely
Before applying the fertilizer consider whether your tree needs the additional nutrients. Soil testing can indicate nutrient deficiencies, helping you determine the amount and type of fertilizer product to apply. Mature trees generally get enough nutrients from the soil and don’t require fertilizing.
Myth #5: Tree Roots Grow Deep into Soil
Think of tree roots, and you probably envision them stretching deep underground. In actuality, most tree roots are in the top 12 to 18 inches of soil, growing horizontally away from the tree. The shallow roots maximize the availability of oxygen, water, and nutrients to the tree.
Protect the Root System
Beware of activities and conditions that cause root problems. Construction and trampling under heavy foot traffic can break roots and lead to infections and disease. Mulching around the base of your trees helps to protect the roots, retain moisture, and improve soil health.
Tree Services of Omaha – Tree Removal Services
Tree Services of Omaha, Nebraska is a full-service tree care provider that offers a wide range of arborist services including but not limited to: Tree Removal Services, Tree Trimming, Tree Pruning, Tree and shrubs Shaping, Stump Removal, Stump Grinding, Emerald Ash Borer Treatment, Arborist Consultations, Systemic Tree Injection (Tree Healthcare).
Contact us today for a free estimate!
