Common Tree Care Mistakes

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.

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Winter Tree Inspections in Hillsborough County, Fl

By Mid-Florida Tree Service • February 13, 2026

Why This Is the Best Time to Check for Hidden Problems

Common Tree Problems in Polk County, FL

By Mid-Florida Tree Service • February 13, 2026

Trees add beauty, shade, and value to properties throughout Polk County. From Lakeland to Bartow to Mulberry, mature oaks, pines, and palms are a major part of the landscape. However, Florida’s climate creates unique challenges that can affect tree health if problems are not identified early. Understanding common tree issues in Polk County helps homeowners protect their investment and avoid costly removals. Storm Damage and Structural Weakness High winds and heavy rain are common throughout Polk County. Even if a tree survives a storm, hidden structural damage may remain. Common storm related issues include: Cracked or split trunks. Limbs with weak attachment points. Leaning trees due to root movement. Canopy imbalance after major limb loss. Internal decay caused by storm wounds. Early evaluation can determine whether corrective pruning can restore stability or if removal is necessary. Soil Compaction and Root Stress Many Polk County yards experience compacted soil due to foot traffic, construction, or heavy equipment. Compacted soil restricts oxygen flow to roots and limits water absorption. Signs of root stress include: Sparse canopy growth. Smaller than normal leaves. Premature leaf drop. Slow overall growth. Increased susceptibility to pests and disease. Relieving soil compaction and improving root conditions often restores tree vitality. Pest and Disease Issues Florida’s warm climate supports a wide range of pests and fungal diseases. Oaks, pines, and palms are especially vulnerable if already stressed. Common problems in Polk County include: Fungal growth at the base of trees. Leaf discoloration or spotting. Bark separation or oozing sap. Palm nutrient deficiencies. Insect activity in weakened wood. Our ISA Certified Arborists evaluate symptoms carefully before recommending treatment or removal. Improper Pruning Improper trimming can cause long term structural problems. Over pruning, topping, or removing healthy limbs weakens the tree and increases storm risk. We frequently see: Excessive canopy thinning. Large flush cuts that do not heal properly. Unbalanced canopy weight. Stress from removing too many green fronds on palms. Corrective pruning helps restore structure and reduce future risk. Root Damage From Construction Driveways, patios, and landscaping projects can damage roots without obvious signs at first. In Polk County neighborhoods with mature trees, root disturbance is a common cause of decline. Warning signs may include: Gradual thinning of the canopy. Increased branch drop. Soil settling near the base of the tree. Delayed decline months after construction. Professional evaluation helps determine whether damage can be managed. Proactive Tree Care in Polk County Most serious tree problems begin with subtle warning signs. Regular inspections and routine maintenance reduce the likelihood of emergency removals and storm failures. At Mid-Florida Tree Service, our ISA Certified Arborists evaluate trees carefully and recommend practical solutions that protect your property and landscape. If you are concerned about a tree in Lakeland, Bartow, Mulberry, or anywhere in Polk County, we are ready to help. Call Mid-Florida Tree Service at (813) 588-0315 to schedule a professional tree evaluation in Polk County.

Tree Trimming and Maintenance in Mulberry, FL

By Mid-Florida Tree Service • February 12, 2026

Tree trimming and routine maintenance are essential for keeping properties in Mulberry safe, attractive, and healthy. Mature oaks, pines, and palms are common throughout Mulberry neighborhoods, and without proper care they can become overgrown or structurally unbalanced. Regular trimming helps protect your home, improve curb appeal, and extend the life of your trees. Why Routine Tree Maintenance Matters Trees do not simply grow upward. They expand outward, increasing canopy weight and wind resistance over time. Without periodic maintenance, limbs can become too heavy, interfere with structures, or develop weak attachment points. Regular trimming helps: Reduce the risk of falling branches. Improve air flow and sunlight penetration. Prevent limbs from contacting roofs or fences. Encourage balanced growth. Maintain a clean and well kept appearance. In communities like Mulberry, where many properties feature established trees, maintenance is part of responsible ownership. Signs Your Trees May Need Trimming Many homeowners are unsure when to schedule trimming. Waiting until limbs break or scrape against the house often means maintenance is overdue. Common signs include: Branches extending over driveways or walkways. Limbs touching the roofline. Dead or declining branches in the canopy. Dense growth blocking sunlight. Visible cracks at branch unions. Addressing these issues early reduces the chance of storm related damage. Proper Trimming vs Over Trimming Correct trimming improves structure and strength. Over trimming can stress the tree and make it more vulnerable to wind. We focus on: Removing dead or weakened limbs. Reducing excess weight where needed. Maintaining natural canopy shape. Avoiding unnecessary removal of healthy growth. Our ISA Certified Arborists evaluate each tree individually to determine the appropriate approach for long term health. This makes us one of the preferred tree trimming services in Mulberry. Maintenance Plans for Mulberry Homeowners Ongoing maintenance often prevents larger problems later. We help homeowners in Mulberry develop a schedule based on species, size, and overall condition. A proactive approach can: Lower the likelihood of emergency service calls. Extend the lifespan of mature trees. Improve property value and appearance. Reduce storm damage risk. Tree care is most effective when it is consistent rather than reactive. Professional Tree Care in Mulberry and Polk County Whether you need routine trimming or a full tree health evaluation, professional guidance ensures the work is done safely and correctly. At Mid-Florida Tree Service, we understand the tree species and growing conditions common throughout Mulberry and Polk County. If your trees are overgrown or you want to establish a maintenance plan, we are ready to help. Call Mid-Florida Tree Service at (813) 588-0315 to schedule tree trimming and maintenance for your Mulberry property.

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