Five Common Tree Care Mistakes on Commercial Properties

Trees need to nourish in a natural ambiance where they thrive without any intervention. They are not adapted to live in commercial environment where the developing conditions are too different. Regular checkup is the proper way to acclimate trees to the less than ideal conditions of an urban or suburban environment. The improper and poor maintenance can lead to permanent damage. Following are the common mistakes that have been observed in tree planting. 

Poor Pruning

Pruning alters both the shape and development of the plant. While pruning, less foliage is available to help growth and nourishment. If done poorly, removing even one large limb can be significant enough for permanent injury of a tree. Poor and misplaced cuts including topping can lead to dead wood or branches that are prone to failure.

To understand how to properly do pruning cuts is as important as learning when and why. Proper care should be carried out to reduce wound size and loss of live branches. Industry standards have specified that no more than 25% of the crown should be removed, but age and physical appearance of the tree will also impact the extent of pruning suggested.

Planting Too Deep

No matter if a tree was just planted this season or two decades ago, if it has been planted too deep, it would cause growing problems. Tree roots thrive in shallow soil where ample water, oxygen and warmth are easily available. Roots are deprived of these important factors when they are pruned too deeply, they have to struggle quite more to develop and grow. In some cases, they will even start to grow up and back toward the trunk, creating a girdling root. A girdling root will encircle part or all of the trunk, restricting movement of water and essential nutrients throughout the tree.

When planting, the tree’s root flare must be level with or a bit above the soil surface. If the root flare is cannot be seen on a tree that has already been pruned, digging of the soil around the base of the tree is suggested. Any girdling roots uncovered should be removed with utmost care to reduce injury chances to the trunk.

Too Much Mulch

Over-mulching has become so widespread that a majority of people started believing that mulch piled too high against the trunk is how it’s ‘supposed to look.’ In reality, ‘volcano mulching’ is quite dangerous for tree health. This practice keeps the bark moist. Bark cannot tolerate permanent moisture and wet bark is supposed to attack by fungi, insects and decay.

A 4-5” layer of organic mulch applied from just off the trunk to the outer dripline will be helpful for intermediate soil temperatures and utilize moisture without damaging the tree. Wood chips are a perfect choice!

Feel free to contact or consult our tree specialist for further recommendations regarding tree planting Services Maryland . We at axe tree pros are continuously striving to provide best tree services to our valuable and honorable customers from last 15 years