Common Tree Care Myths, Common Tree Care Facts
Myth: Trees have taproots. Fact: Most trees do not have taproots. Taproots do not form on trees planted in our urban landscapes. 80% of roots grow within the top 12” of the surface. You would find 0% below 2’ deep. Most trees never develop taproots, especially when the water table is close to the surface or when the soil is compacted.
Myth: Cut a branch flush with the trunk. Fact: You should not cut a branch flush with the trunk. This cuts into the branch collar, the area which is an effective barrier to decay between the branch and trunk. Flush cuts also make the wound size bigger than it needs to be, exposing trunk tissue to organisms that cause decay.
Myth: Wound dressing is necessary. Fact: Wound dressing is not necessary. Wound dressing serve no real purpose other than aesthetically. If anything they can speed up the fungal and decay microorganisms. They trap moisture. Leave it alone and it will dry faster and heal itself naturally. It produces its own enzymes against rot and disease.
Myth: Trees should be topped to keep small. Fact: Trees should not be topped to keep them small. Topping is actually harmful to trees. Cutting the top from a tree results in weak growth and can lead to rotting limbs that break during storms. Don’t Top Your Trees. Topping is the senseless practice of indiscriminately removing a majority of a tree’s branches. Topping violates most commonly accepted methods of proper pruning; it is an assault on the health and beauty of your trees. Topping will not make trees safe; it actually creates hazardous trees. Topping makes a tree more susceptible to storm damage. Topping makes a tree more prone to insect and disease problems. Topping is: abuse, vandalism, dangerous, expensive, mutilation, ugly. Topping is a waste of money.