Tree Tips
MYTH #1 – “LOTS OF MULCH IS GOOD.”
TRUTH: Mulch is too thick when roots start growing into it. When this occurs, several continuous hot dry days can lead to root death. Start by applying 3 to 4 inches and inspect several times a year for root growth. Keep mulch at least 6 inches away from the trunk to reduce chances of rodent injury and infec-tion by pathogens. Excessive amounts may disrupt soil moisture and aeration.
MYTH #2 – “PROFESSIONALS KNOW NOT TO PLANT LARGE-MATURING TREES CLOSE TO BUILDINGS.”
TRUTH: They may know this is wrong, but it is done often. Blue spruce, paper birch, and many species of pines are used often for foundation plantings. The mature size of the tree seems to be forgotten at the time of planting. Too often the annuals are in the middle of the yard and the trees are against the house.
MYTH #3 – “FILL HOLES WITH CONCRETE, OR FILL WITH WOUND DRESSING.”
TRUTH: Concrete or wound dressings lead to greater internal injury.
MYTH #4 – “ANTS SPEED UP THE DECAY PROCESS.”
TRUTH: Ants keep their galleries very clean and in doing so they slow the decay process. Ants live in the tree and eat elsewhere. Termites ―eat‖ in the tree and live elsewhere.
MYTH #5 – “TOPPING DOES NOT INJURE TREES.”
TRUTH: Topping not only injures wood in the crown, but roots are injured. And, topping leads to haz-ardous trees. Topping is a money wasting treatment illegal in some counties in some states because once started, it must be continued. Some species of trees can survive the treatment, while others quickly de-cline. Topping destroys a trees dignity