Common Tree Maintenance Myths and Why You Shouldn’t Believe Them
As a team of tree specialists, we’ve met many people who need help with maintaining the trees on their property. Through our conversations, we’ve discovered that a lot of property owners believe in tree maintenance “facts” that actually turn out to be false! Here are some of the tree care myths that you should never believe:
Myth #1: Trees shouldn’t be watered before winter arrives.
This can have a bit of truth to it since it’s important to “harden off” trees, which prepares them for the long period of dormancy and ensures that they’ll survive the cold months. However, this doesn’t mean that you should completely stop giving water to your trees! Studies have shown that long, dry falls and winters can create drought conditions that can injure root systems and make trees more vulnerable to diseases and pest infestations. So, instead of completely withdrawing water, you’ll want to do occasionally water your trees in the fall (except before a major cold spell).
Myth #2: Topping a tree can be beneficial for it.
Topping involves cutting the main tree trunk as well as the tops of its largest branches, and it’s often recommended especially for weak-wooded and fast-growing trees. However, it’s actually not a good practice since it usually does more harm than good. For one thing, it can alter the balance between the leaves and the root system, which prevents the tree from producing enough food to support its growth. Topping also promotes the growth of weak tree branches, which are more likely to fall off and cause property damage and bodily injuries. Instead of topping your trees, ask your contractor to use safer methods such as thinning and cabling.
Stay away from these myths to keep your trees strong and healthy! If you’d like to get more advice, or if you’re looking for contractors who can help you with tree maintenance, don’t hesitate to reach out to A-A-A Tree Care & Landscaping, LLC. We are based in Anoka, MN, and we provide professional tree care services to our customers. Give us a call now at (612) 817-5353!