Stumped: Debunking Myths of Trees and Tree Care

You probably treasure the trees on your property and appreciate that they offer shade, beauty, and a natural element that cannot be matched by anything else. However, caring for those trees can feel like a daunting task. This is especially the case if you have misinformation regarding proper tree care. Before you stress about how to proceed or make a mistake you cannot repair, let us debunk a few common tree care myths.

Myth 1 – Staking newly planted trees helps them develop a better root system. – The practice of staking a young tree (attaching it to a stiff piece of wood or pole when planting it) may offer both benefits and drawbacks. Trees planted without staking will often develop a deeper and more widespread root system. However, the staking can help the tree grow straighter and keep it from washing away in a rainstorm.
Myth 2 – Tree wraps can prevent insect problems and prevent temperature fluctuations. Tree wraps are a type of artificial sleeve developed to protect a young or growing tree. However, in many cases, covering a tree trunk can make pest problems worse (certain insects will burrow underneath the wrap and become stuck) and the improvement in temperature control is minimal at best.
Myth 3 – When pruning, cut flush with the trunk to encourage healing. Pruning trees, or cutting them back regularly, is important to help them grow. However, it is important to note that trees do not heal. In reality, the spread of decay is more likely with flush cuts (cuts that are flat against the trunk) than in a non-flush cut.
Myth 4 – The root system is burrowed deep, deep into the ground. The truth is, while root systems vary, most of a tree’s roots will grow within the first few inches underground.
Myth 5 – It is easy to kill fungus or insect problems using a chemical product. While the sheer number of these products available at your nearby home improvement store may make it seem to be the case, it is not so. Many fungal and insect problems have no known chemical treatment. Working with an expert is often best.
Myth 6 – Regular and vigorous pruning is necessary for all trees and will make a tree grow larger and stronger. There are so many different types of trees that this statement is simply not true in all cases. Doing your research or talking to an arborist is important to find out what type of pruning is necessary.

Don’t go barking up the wrong tree! If you need more information on tree care or want to work with the best, contact us at Premier Tree Solutions today at 404-252-6448 or online at www.chopmytree.com/contact-form/.