Trees are among nature's most valuable gifts. They provide oxygen, shade, beauty, and even fruits and nuts to the environment. While trees are generally low-maintenance, they do necessitate some attention in order to thrive. Unfortunately, many myths and misconceptions about tree care can be harmful to trees. In this blog, we'll look at five common myths about tree care and debunk them.

Myth #1: Pruning can be performed at any time of year.

Many people believe that they can prune at any time of year. This, however, is not the case. Pruning at the wrong time can definitely harm and even kill your trees. The best time to do your required pruning is during the dormant season, which occurs in late autumn or winter. Pruning during the dormant season reduces stress on trees and allows them to heal and recover faster.

Myth #2: Trees require daily watering.

Another common misconception about tree care is that trees have to be watered daily. While trees do need water, overwatering can be just as damaging as underwatering. Most trees only need one fair watering per week, including rain. It is crucial to water trees thoroughly but infrequently. This allows the roots to grow deeper into the soil and gain access to the water they require.

Myth #3: Trees do not require fertilizer.

There are so many people that think that trees don’t require any fertilizer, especially if they grow out in natural areas. However, this is not always the case. Fertilizer can help trees grow faster and more luscious, especially where the soil and soil quality isn't the best. As long as you fertilize at the right time of year, your trees will highly appreciate that but remember, over-fertilization can be just as harmful as under-fertilization.

Myth #4: Tree roots are always deep.

Many people believe that tree roots grow deep into the soil at all times. This, however, is not the case. Tree roots can grow as shallow as six inches below the surface, particularly in clay soils. This is why one should be careful not to pile excessive soil, compost or mulch directly around the base of one's trees. This can cause the roots to grow too shallow, causing problems later on down the line.

Myth #5: Trees have the ability to heal themselves.

Many people believe that trees can heal themselves and do not require human intervention. This is not entirely correct. While trees can compartmentalize damage and heal themselves to some extent, they still require human assistance. For example, if a tree is infected with a disease or has a pest infestation, it may require treatment with a fungicide or insecticide. Furthermore, if a tree has a large wound, it may need to be pruned to prevent additional damage.

Ultimately, there are plenty of misconceptions about tree care that can be harmful to your trees. It's a good idea to educate yourself on your specific trees and how to care for them otherwise, you can always consult a certified arborist if you are unsure what to do. We can ensure that our trees continue to provide us with their many benefits for years to come by taking good care of them. If you need any tips or advice on how to take better care of your trees, contact Overberg Arborists here.