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