Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

Breaking Down Myths About Trees Ensures Proper Care

A myth is a fiction or half-truth. In the world of trees, many myths, fictions and stories exist forming a barrier for correct tree care and maintenance.

One such myth is that the root systems are a deep, mirror image of the tree trunk and limb. Another is that branches move upward as the tree gains height.

In actuality, roots spread laterally and not too far beneath the surface, but often farther than the tree is high. Low limbs are always low limbs, meaning that if they are not pruned when the tree is small, they will always remain low limbs. This could cause problems in some larger trees.

Once the idea of myths is discarded, correct ways of caring for trees can become clear.

Myth 1: Topping is good for a tree.

Topping starves the tree by taking away its food source (leaves) and in return damages roots and healthy tree growth. Trees could also become 'shocked' due to complete removal of the leafy canopy. Sun scald, poor health, death or hazardous trees could result in the costly, time- consuming treatment of topping trees. According to the National Arbor Day Foundation, "topping is the absolute worst thing you can do for the health of your tree."

Myth 2: Tree stakes are essential.

In some cases, stakes are required during the first growing season. However, stakes are usually unnecessary and are expensive to purchase, install and remove. If stakes are installed, it is important to remove them after the first year. Improperly installed stakes could retard root development, reduce the natural sway of the trunk or girdle the tree, eventually leading to death.

Myth 3: Water is a tree's wonder drug

With good judgement, water can be a tree's wonder drug and can in fact be better than adding fertilizer. However, depending on the species of tree, water can be detrimental by either over watering (drowning) or not watering enough (drought). The key to watering is to match your schedule with the amount of local rainfall and know the amount of water the species of tree needs. Watering should be done during long dry spells, especially if windy or hot and in dry climates.

Although it may not be economical to water street or city trees, individual homeowners may reap the rewards. The National Arbor Day Foundation recommends that a large, newly planted tree needs only about 10 gallons of water a week in dry weather.

Myth 4: A little trench won't hurt.

One major portion of a tree is the root system. Just as when humans damage a major organ in their body, when a tree's root system is damaged, trouble begins. The innocent acts of burying a sprinkler system, telephone line or sewer system can damage a tree just as much as digging a large trench next to it. To prevent damaging trees with any kind of trench, detours around the tree should be made when possible. If cutting into roots cannot be avoided, a proper tunnel should be dug.

Myth 5: Lots of mulch is good.

Too much mulch can cause poor and may disrupt soil moisture. If roots are growing in the mulch, it is too thick. Mulch should be inspected several times a year for root growth. Mulch is a very beneficial agent for healthy tree growth, if applied properly. Dr. Alex Shigo, formerly of the U.S. Forest Service, suggests that when mulching, start with about four to six inches, adding small amounts over time, keeping it away from the trunk by at least six inches. This will reduce the amount of rodent and pathogen injury.

Myth 6: Painting, cavity treatments and wound dressings are good.

Incorrect pruning begins a long list of undesirable and often costly outcomes, including cankers, sun scald, frost cracks, insect borers, rot, disease and eventually death. According to Dr. Shigo, flush cuts, wound dressings, painting and cavity treatments are not modern, sound arboricultural practices. In fact, they are time consuming and costly; they can even destroy the protection boundaries of the tree and promote rapid decay.

Myth 7: Lots of Fertilizer is good.

Over fertilizing trees can 'burn' roots or over-stimulate crown growth, making it harder for the tree to survive drought. Trees need 16 essential elements in soil for them to grow sufficiently healthy and strong. When anyone of these elements are lacking, it will control the growth of the tree. Fertilizing will compensate for nutrient deficiencies and will help a tree's growth when added in proper amounts. Fertilizer is usually not necessary for trees growing in yards that have been treated regularly by the broadcast method of application.

For more information on tree myths, contact Maggie Arrington with the Arkansas Forestry Commission at 870-533-4641. The National Arbor Day Foundation or Shigo and Trees, Associates at P.O. Box 769, Durham, NH 03824.