Tree care professionals in Pittsburgh want homeowners to stop believing these 3 big myths.
3 Common Tree Health Care Practices That Hurt Trees
Too many people take it for granted that tree health care is an easy task. The reality is: tree service professionals like arborists exist for a reason. And when people stop to think about how much misinformation is spread about tree care, it becomes easy to appreciate the work that arborists do.
Unfortunately, the tree care industry has fallen prey to misinformation mostly because landscaping companies include tree care in their contracts. Landscaping companies usually do not have the training to safely and competently care for complex tree problems. As a result, poor tree care practices have become a misinformed industry standard. To avoid doing damage to trees, hire only qualified professionals and don’t buy into these common myths.
1. Mulch Hard And Heavy
It’s true that mulch is a good thing for trees but it has to be applied properly to help, otherwise, it can harm the tree. Mulch provides two benefits: helps keep soil moisture stable so the tree can grow steadily and it also provides extra nutrients as the mulch breaks down.
When mulch is poorly used, the two benefits become detriments. Mulch that is too thick can trap moisture and keep soils so moist that molds can grow and compete with the tree for nutrients or rot the feeder roots of the tree. If mulch is piled up near the base of the tree it can cause roots to grow too shallow and form balls that can constrict nutrient flow inside the tree. Heavy mulch can also smother the feeder roots of the tree as it breaks down. This causes the nutrients in the mulch from a crust that won’t allow nutrient exchange.
2. Plant Trees As Deep As Possible
This myth is pervasive because of the misconception that trees need help to be deeply rooted. The truth is, trees will root themselves as deeply as they need to without human intervention. When planting a tree from a nursery, only plant the tree as deep as it was in the pot. The bark tissue above and below the level of the ground is specialized for its role in the health of the tree. By covering it up or exposing more of it than necessary, the tree can be stressed. Planting the tree at a level where it is used to accessing soil nutrients and water will give it the greatest chance of success.
3. Topping A Tree Is Good
This is one of the saddest myths out there. Why would a tree benefit from having all of its growth cut back? Topping a tree removes all of its food sources since it makes its food in its leaves. It also opens it up to infection from mold, insects, and decay.
Professional tree trimming and tree pruning by a qualified arborist is the better option. An arborist is trained to know how to trim and prune trees in a way that is safe for the tree and aesthetically pleasing. They also are qualified to mitigate the harm that topping a tree can do.
About Greater Pitt Tree Service
Greater Pitt Tree Service is a tree service company with nearly 30 years serving Pittsburgh. Their qualified professionals are at the top of their industry and are ready to help with any tree care needs. Call 412-867-9631 to get free quotes on their award-winning service.