5 Common Myths About Trees: Revealed!

	Myth 1: How the loss of one dead tree impacts a street¹s appearance.
	Myth 4: Use a trained professional to properly prune your trees.
	Make sure you are working with a Certified Arborist.

Myth #1: Trees flourish in the forest without maintenance, so they don¹t need it in my front yard either!

Urban trees are required to contend with many negative influences not encountered by forest trees: limited rooting areas, confined spaces, pollution, soil compaction, asphalt and concrete over roots, etc. Besides, an occasional dead tree in the forest is not noticed among the many, but the loss of one significant landscape tree can be devastating to your home or business.

Myth #2: Aggressive pruning of trees or shrubs invigorates them.

Pruning, particularly severe pruning, often results in the stimulation of dense, vigorous sprout growth. However, this production of vigorous growth consumes great amounts of the tree's limited energy, weakening its natural defenses.

While the benefits of pruning are many, there is always some negative impact from the loss of foliage. Reduction of the foliage mass, however small, means a reduction in the tree's capacity to photosynthesize, thus reducing the energy available for all its life processes. Progressive techniques can maximize the benefits of pruning while minimizing the negative impacts.

Myth #3: A good, strong, stake with strong ties is crucial when planting a tree.

While some nursery stock may require staking to remain upright, a tree that is capable of standing on its own should not be routinely staked. Improper or unnecessary staking can create problems that did not previously exist. When faced with significant winds, or a weak specimen, proper staking may be necessary, and can make the difference in a success or failure. However, no type of support system can hold up a seriously defective tree indefinitely. Staking must be viewed and installed as a temporary assist while the tree develops its own strength, and then removed as soon as possible.

Myth #4: He advertised in the yellow pages as a tree expert,
so he must be!

Anyone can put an ad in the Yellow Pages or call themselves a ³tree expert.² Begin by calling only ISA Certified Arborists. Obtain at least several references and follow-up. Consider hiring a Consulting Arborist in advance for advice on what's needed. Always require insurance certificates and a detailed, written contract.

Myth #5: I can kill my neighbor¹s annoying tree by driving a copper nail in the trunk when he¹s on vacation. Not only is a copper nail not going to kill the tree, but it is a primary component of many fungicides.

Summary: The worst enemy of trees is people! Damage to trees is only occasionally intentional, more often negligence, but most often occurs when intent is to provide conscientious care. Get progressive in caring for your trees!

For all your tree related needs, contact Darin Hinesly, our resident certified arborist and part-time myth-dispeller at (858) 505-8300 ext. 316

Randy Newhard is President and Founder of New Way Landscape & Tree Services, a full-service landscape maintenance and tree care contractor serving commercial, industrial and multifamily housing in San Diego County for 24 years. New Way also provides sports turf management for all athletic venues. (858) 505-8300 www.newwaypro.com

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