trees myths that are slow to die - ncappa.org€¦ · trees myths that are slow to die presented...

Trees Myths that are

Slow to Die

Presented by:

Leslie Moorman

Executive Director

#1

Topping makes trees safer.

Topping does not make trees safer,

besides the fact that:

No tree can be deemed “safe” –

never use that term

Tree Response to Topping

Crown Reduction

• Shortens a limb or branch back to a smaller lateral

branch or similarly sized limb.

• Remaining lateral branch should be ½ to ⅓ the

diameter of the branch removed.

Reduction Cut

#2

BUT WAIT!!

Don’t trees need to be pruned to control them from getting too big… or what about crape myrtles?!!

#3

Wound paint on wounds and pruning cuts is

necessary.

Petroleum-based

products kill the

cambial tissue and

actually impede wound

closure

Wound paint on wounds and pruning cuts

is not recommended.

#4

There is no such a thing as too much mulch.

Too much mulch can lead to serious

health problems down the road

#5

Tree roots break sewer lines...

#5

… destroy sidewalks …

Tree roots are

opportunistic and

grow where the

conditions are right…

or right enough.

FACT

Roots are not jackhammers.

Roots are not

plotting a

takeover

#6

The distribution of tree roots below ground mirrors the canopy above.

#6

Or has a deep taproot.

#6

The distribution of tree roots below ground does not mirror the canopy above.

#6

#7

Which leads to … the oldie but goodie:

Prune a tree at planting to balance

the root loss.

#7

Which developed into: never prune a

tree at planting… except for:

• dead

• dying

• diseased

• damaged

#7

But if anyone was paying attention to

Ed Gilman, when he as at the urban

forestry conference in 2015: if you

are never going to touch that tree

again after it has been planted, prune

now to improve the structure.

#8

Trees must be staked after planting.

#8Or do they?

#9

Soil amendments are necessary when you have poor soil.

#10

Planting deep is better than shallow.

#10

Planting a little shallow is generally better than planting too deep.

10 Tree Myths that Won’t Die

1. Topping makes trees safer

2. Must prune for more flowers/to control size

3. Wound paint is necessary

4. No such thing as too much mulch

5. Tree roots break sewer lines

6. Roots mirror the canopy

7. Prune at planting to match root loss

8. Trees must be staked

9. Soil amendments are necessary

10. Planting deep is better than shallow

Questions?????

Leslie Moorman

ncufc1@gmail.com

www.ncufc.org