You wouldn't purposely put your tree in harm’s way, but many people are unaware of the small things that are actually bad for their trees and have the potential to severely harm their long term health.

Here are a some common tree care mistakes that you should know of so you can make the best decisions regarding your trees.

Mulching too close to a tree’s trunk

Mulch is a good thing. It can balance soil temp, hold in moisture and even block weeds from growing. That makes mulching a very attractive option, but it can go wrong. If mulch is piled around the tree's trunk, it can hold in too much moisture and lead to decay. Once the bark has begun to decay, it becomes weak and can compromise the tree's overall good health. This problem is easy to avoid. Just leave about three inches between the mulch and the trunk.

Planting trees close together

Like some people, trees need some personal space. When they are planted too near each other, they may not thrive. Their root systems may compete for space and nutrients. It's best to talk to a professional arborist to help determine the correct spacing of your trees and shrubs.

Girdling a tree

Girdling is sometimes done on fruit trees, especially peach and nectarine trees, to prompt them to yield more fruit. It is done by removing a thin ring of bark from around the tree or limb. Girdling can be effective and is sometimes necessary but it is also a potential killer. Cutting the bark blocks the flow of nutrients from the leaves to the roots. Malnourished roots can lead to an unhealthy, unstable tree and possibly even the death of the tree. Accidental girdling can happen if a tree grows too near a fence, if a young tree's guy wires are never removed, or if a pet tie-out is left in place as the tree ages.

The use of screws, staples or nails on a tree

Typically, healthy mature trees can handle a few staples, some minor drilling or a few nails being hammered into them. Young trees though, or trees with thin bark or those that have been weakened by disease or trauma should not be compromised by nails, screws, staples or other piercings. If you are unsure as to whether your tree will withstand the insertion of these things, stop and find another way to attach your item.

Covering and/or building over tree roots

It may be tempting to cover and hide unattractive tree roots. However, the way you go about it can make the difference in the potential of damage happening to the tree. One certain thing to absolutely avoid is covering roots with concrete. Roots will find space to grow by any means they can. They exert immense pressure in doing so, and any concrete covering the roots will eventually become heaved and cracked. Fortunately, there are ways to mask the roots that won’t cause harm to the tree or to your work in the future.

You don't have to rely on guesses to decide what to do. Give us a call if you have any questions regarding your plans. Let our expert team of professionals, including on-site certified arborists, help you make the choice that is right in caring for your trees.