The perfect environment for trees to grow in is in their natural or semi-natural state. Trees are meant to grow in a natural environment where they thrive without any intervention. They are not adapted to live in commercial landscapes where the growing conditions are vastly different.
Routine maintenance is the best way to acclimate trees to the less than ideal conditions of an urban or suburban landscape. However, the wrong kind of maintenance can result in permanent damage. Learn more about the most common tree care mistakes seen on commercial properties.
Briefly explained are common mistakes practiced during tree care.
Improper pruningAn effective way of altering the form and growth pattern of a plant is through pruning. However, pruning results into less foliage that is quite essential for their growth and development. Therefore, pruning requires expert precision. One wrong move might take out a huge limb, crippling its development for good. Improper pruning can also result in dead branches or wood.
This mostly arises from poor topping. Knowing why we do it is not enough until we master how to do it properly. The right amount minimizes the wound inflicted. The less loss of live branches the better. Experts recommend that the amount pruned should not exceed 25 percent of its crown. When pruning the trees’ age and current condition are what should determine the extent of the cut.
Planting too deepTrees planted too deep in the soil tend to develop complications. Tree roots thrive when close to the surface. Here they can extract oxygen, water, and the surface warmth. When buried too deep in the soil, the roots get deprived of such necessities. There are cases where the roots begin growing upwards towards the trunk creating girdles which might encircle the tree.
When planting the root flare should be at the soil surface. The root flare is the part where the tree widens below. If the tree was already planted and the flare cannot be seen, excavate the surrounding soil till you reach it. If there are any girdled roots, carefully remove them, so you do not end up injuring the tree.
Availability of mulchThere is an ignorant perception that over-mulching is necessary. It is a common sight to find mulch piled up against the trunk.Over-mulching results in a moist tree bark which leaves it vulnerable to fungi attack, insects or decay. The remedy is to apply a 3-4 inch mulch to the trees outer drip line. Organic mulch such as wood chips is highly recommended. The mulch regulates soil temperatures and retains soil moisture without causing any harm to the tree.
Destruction from equipmentBy equipment, we are talking about machines such as string trimmers, lawnmowers, and others. Such equipment scrapes the underlying cambium layer on the tree bark resulting in irreparable damage. Any injury to the trees cambium layer interferes with the flow and water and nutrients within. Such an interruption is a threat to all crucial tree processes. The injured area becomes the perfect entry point for organisms that cause it to rot such as fungi.
The best way to prevent such negligence from people is any setting up a mulch around it. In addition to creating a healthy growing environment, it’s also a visual reminder to keep harmful machinery away.
This post was originally published at http://OrangeCountyBestTreeCare.com
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