Tree care is a broad subject, and if you’ve been following closely, there are all sorts of information regarding tree care. From your interactions with people, or somewhere on the web, you might have stumbled upon some mystifying theories that got you thinking. If you’re not keen, you might easily fall for it and probably end up making school-boy mistakes. The following piece looks at 7 myths that may have found a way into the hearts of unsuspecting individuals.
1. Pruning overgrown trees is the way to go
While it can be considered a healthy practice, over pruning can have far-reaching effects on the life span of a tree. When a tree is overgrown or extends to nearby property, the first natural step you’d take is to prune the unwanted pieces. Overdoing it causes a significant sprout growth which competes with other essential tree parts for energy and nutrients, causing death in the end.
2. Tree wound dressing is the answer
From a layman’s point of view, tree wound dressing sounds ideal, but a qualified arborist will advise otherwise. Already, there is a myriad of solutions alleged to help in tree recovery, from paints to tars and other sealants. However, in the real sense, they do not help with the prevention of diseases or decay, nor do they aid in the closing of wounds. Tree wounds are better left open for natural healing.
3. Topping helps tree size management
Most homeowners have innocently applied this technique to manage the size of their grown trees. While it could be an immediate solution, it is detrimental to the health of the tree in the long run. Generally, topping involves removing the upper portion of the main tree stem, and the consequences include severe injuries to the tree as well as reduced ability to fend off diseases.
4. A little addition of quality topsoil around the tree is good
Quite a good number of homeowners occasionally get tempted by the prospects of adding some fertile soil around the tree base in the name of providing more food. Maintaining the appropriate depth of the tree in relation to the grade of the soil is essential, as any grade changes or loss of roots from frequent cultivation is dangerous.
5. Any tree care service company will do
Tree care services offer more or less the same services; after all, they are just trees. Well, the difference lies in the quality of service, the experience, value for money, and professionalism, among other aspects. It is up to you to conduct a thorough background check of who you’re dealing with before hiring.
6. Application of fungicides prevents tree decay
Trees form their defense from inside by creating chemical barriers from within. A tree effectively heals from wounds depending on how healthy it was before the injury, and also the structure of its genetics. Tree experts understand just how much damage fungicides can do to a wounded tree, as well as the best methods of preventing or reversing tree decay.
7. Grown trees are better left alone to tend themselves
Most trees growing out in the yard are either growing in limited spaces with confined branches and roots, but they seem to be doing just fine. It could be tempting to leave them unattended for many years, but did you know, they require as much care as your flowers and lawn?
Instead of hanging on to these far-fetched myths, it is important to do what is best for your trees. Healthy trees make a good yard and a proud homeowner.
