Tree Care Myths: What You Should Know Before Hiring an Arborist
When it comes to tree care, there’s a lot of misinformation floating around. Homeowners often rely on myths or outdated practices, which can lead to poor tree health, safety hazards, and unnecessary costs. If you’re considering hiring an arborist to care for your trees, it’s essential to separate fact from fiction to ensure your trees receive the proper care they need.
In this article, we’ll debunk some of the most common tree care myths and provide the facts you should know before hiring an arborist for your tree care needs.
1. Myth: Tree Pruning Should Be Done in Spring for All Species
Many people believe that tree pruning is best done in the spring when trees begin to bud. However, this isn’t the case for every tree species. While some trees, particularly flowering varieties, benefit from pruning during dormancy (winter to early spring), others need to be pruned at different times of the year.
The Truth:
- Deciduous Trees: These trees, which lose their leaves in winter, should be pruned during their dormant period in late winter or early spring.
- Evergreens: These trees don’t require as much pruning, and it's best to prune them in late spring or early summer after new growth has emerged.
- Fruit Trees: These should be pruned in late winter to early spring, but the timing will depend on the species.
A professional arborist knows the ideal time to prune each type of tree to prevent damage and promote healthy growth.
2. Myth: Topping Trees Is a Good Way to Keep Them Small
Topping is a technique where the top of a tree is cut off to reduce its height. While this may seem like an effective way to control the size of a tree, it’s actually harmful and can lead to severe health issues for the tree.
The Truth:
Topping causes a tree to become stressed and more vulnerable to disease, pests, and decay. It can result in weak, poorly structured branches that grow rapidly but are prone to breakage. Instead of topping, a skilled arborist will use proper pruning techniques to maintain the tree’s shape and health without causing damage.
If you need to reduce the size of your tree, an arborist can implement crown thinning or selective pruning to achieve the desired result without compromising the tree’s integrity.
3. Myth: All Arborists Are the Same
Not all tree care professionals are created equal. While many individuals claim to have tree care experience, not all of them are qualified to provide the level of service that your trees deserve. Hiring the wrong person can result in damage to your trees, property, and even your safety.
The Truth:
An arborist should be a certified professional, typically with a certification from an organization such as the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA). Certification ensures that the arborist has undergone rigorous training in tree care, including safety standards, proper pruning techniques, pest management, and tree health diagnostics. Always check for certification and ensure the arborist has a proven track record of working with trees in your area.
4. Myth: Tree Removal Is Always the Last Resort
While tree removal is often seen as the final option when a tree is severely damaged or diseased, it’s not always the last resort in all cases. Some trees may be removed because of structural issues that cannot be corrected or because they pose a hazard to nearby structures.
The Truth:
If a tree is showing signs of disease, leaning, or structural instability, it’s best to consult an arborist for an assessment. In many cases, trees can be preserved with proper treatments or pruning. However, if the tree is too dangerous to remain standing or is causing significant damage to your property, removal may indeed be the safest and most responsible option.
An arborist can help you decide whether a tree should be removed or if treatment options like pest control, disease management, or structural reinforcement (cabling) are more appropriate.
5. Myth: Fertilizing Will Always Solve Tree Problems
Many people think that fertilizing a tree is a catch-all solution to improve its health. While proper fertilization can help trees thrive, it’s not always the answer to underlying problems like disease, pests, or root damage.
The Truth:
Fertilizing can help address nutrient deficiencies in the soil, but it is not a cure-all. In fact, over-fertilizing can lead to nutrient imbalances and make the tree more vulnerable to stress, pests, and disease.
Before applying fertilizer, an arborist will assess the tree’s overall health, examine the soil, and recommend a tailored treatment plan that includes fertilization if necessary. An experienced arborist may also suggest soil amendments or treatments for pests and diseases, which might be a more effective solution than fertilizing alone.
6. Myth: Trees Can’t Be Saved Once They’re Diseased
Once a tree is diagnosed with a disease, many homeowners assume the tree is beyond saving and consider immediate removal. However, this isn’t always the case.
The Truth:
Many tree diseases are treatable, especially if caught early. Arborists can recommend specific treatments such as pruning infected areas, applying fungicides, or implementing integrated pest management techniques. In some cases, professional care can restore the tree to health and prevent the disease from spreading to other trees.
If the tree is severely infected or beyond recovery, removal may still be necessary, but it should always be the last option. An arborist can guide you through the decision-making process and provide treatment options for your trees.
7. Myth: Trees Don’t Need Regular Inspections
It’s easy to assume that if your tree looks healthy, it doesn’t need regular inspections. However, trees, like any living organism, change over time, and regular checks can help identify problems before they become major issues.
The Truth:
Regular tree inspections, ideally every 1-3 years, are essential for ensuring your trees remain healthy and safe. Arborists inspect trees for signs of disease, pests, structural problems, and safety hazards. Early detection of issues like root damage, poor growth, or pest infestations can save you money in the long run and prevent dangerous situations.
When it comes to caring for your trees, separating myths from facts is essential for their health and safety. Hiring a certified, experienced arborist is the best way to ensure your trees receive proper care, whether it’s pruning, pest management, disease treatment, or removal. Understanding the truth behind common tree care myths will empower you to make informed decisions and maintain a safe, beautiful landscape for years to come.
At Tree Trunk, our certified arborists are here to provide expert tree care services. Whether you need pruning, disease management, or a full tree inspection, we’ve got you covered. Contact us today to schedule your consultation!
