April 22, 2021 As spring rolls around, many look forward to spending more time outside of their homes. This also provides many the opportunity to plant or tend to the gardens and plant life outside of their home. However, while many homeowners have great intentions when trying to tend to their gardens and trees, they often lack the proper training and knowledge, and can be confused by tree care myths. Yes, the internet is an endless pit of information that can provide tips and tricks on tree care and gardening, but it isn’t always reliable. Here are some of the most common tree care myths and why they aren’t true. Myth 1: All Trees Have Deep Roots When people think of a full-grown tree, they usually imagine a tall and large structure with a strong trunk and thick roots that run deep into the ground. In reality, trees really only stake deep roots when they are saplings. This is so they can anchor themselves into the ground for a better chance at survival. Once they begin to grow and mature, their roots begin to spread out in a horizontal direction. This horizontal growth allows the tree to absorb as much water from the surface as possible. If their roots were too deep into the ground, absorbing water would be far more difficult. This means that trees are a lot more delicate around their base than you might think. If you have a habit of watering your trees frequently, avoid overwatering them. Also, make sure that the base of the tree is clear of any other unwanted plant life that might be competing for the same water and nutrients as the tree. Trees don’t have deep roots, and they need your help to experience healthy growth. Myth 2: Staking A Young Tree Helps It Grow Better This one surprises most people. Naturally, you would think that something young needs help growing, especially thin and small trees. After all, trees face harsh natural elements such as heavy rainfall, snow, scorching heat, and strong winds. It makes sense to want to stake a young tree down to give it the best chance at survival. Expert advice, however, suggests letting the tree grow on its own. Trees that aren’t staked when young go on to develop sturdier trunks and stronger roots than those that were. Myth 3: A Newly Planted Tree Needs Tree Wrap to Protect it From All Harsh Elements and Insects A newly planted tree doesn’t always need a tree wrap. Depending on where you live, and the season, a tree wrap may worsen the situation! Experts suggest wrapping a tree only during the winter season. Using a tree wrap in the summer may cause the tree to become too warm. A wrap during the rainy season may hold in moisture and begin to rot away at the trunk and base. Also, wraps don’t always keep bugs out. Even a well-wrapped tree still leaves some gaps and openings for bugs to get in—some of these bugs like the protection and cover that the wrap provides. As a result, they burrow into the tree trunk underneath the wrap. Arborist Advice While there is a lot of good advice on the internet regarding tree care, we suggest asking professionals before believing tree care myths. Even good-natured intentions can end up damaging your trees and plant life. If you have any questions or want a free consultation on tree care for your own home, contact us! We would be happy to assess your situation to see how we can help.
