Trees are so beneficial and wide idolise that they even have a whole holiday consecrate to them : Arbor Day . This day is all about the wonders of nature , and it ’s even a custom to plant a tree to celebrate it . But even though tree diagram have a stellar report , there ’s mickle of misinformation about these towering , leafy animation organism masquerading as tree diagram fact . Keep reading to learn the five tree diagram myths we ’re expose so you may considerably understand trees and get hold out how to handle for them right when you plant them this Arbor Day .
Myth 1: Trees can “heal” themselves
Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree ca n’t repair damage tissue paper like multitude and animals because of their rigid cell walls . When our body heal combat injury , they replace or touch on injured tissue paper . Instead of fixing anything , trees“compartmentalize”wounds . The discredited tissue stay on lasting ( but localized ) as the tree acquire wound Ellen Price Wood over the impacted expanse to seal it by .
Keeping this in mind , do n’t throw caveat to the jazz and inadvertently harm your trees with your garden and lawn equipment ( such as your lawnmower ) . If your tree diagram gets injured , allow it to seal off the combat injury on its own ; refrain from applying any coat or preservatives to the injury , which could aggravate matter .
Myth 2: Tree roots crack sidewalks
Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree ascendant emerging from sidewalk are usually a termination of misfortunate preparation rather than an sharply produce tree . Cement actually crackson its ownas soil book change from moisture story and temperature . When cementum chap , roots require to move toward the opening to memory access more lightness and air . This move widen cracks and get-up-and-go cementum upward .
The real consequence at hand is that sidewalks and pathways are designed without consideration for soil condition . Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree roots may weaken already - crack cement , but they are n’t responsible for for the crack itself . As you plant trees near cement ( if you must ) , it does aid to pick small , behind - growing trees . This way , you may foreclose future chances ofheaving .
Myth 3: Extra mulch is beneficial for your tree
Mulch can assist plants keep wet and stay cool in raging weather . That read , too much mulch can pose problems for your tree , particularly when it come tosoil aeration and wet level . root grow up to the mulch can pass to rout girdling when root circle around the proboscis at or below the soil line and eventually stamp out the tree .
And then , of course , mulch can conceal moulder and decompose on the tree diagram base . When in doubtfulness , go with 3 or 4 inches of mulch . If you have your tree in compact , poor - draining soil , you may want to go with even less mulch to prevent any chance ofroot rotting .
Myth 4: Staking trees actually makes them stronger
Although beneficial in some cases , staking down a tree is n’t always necessary ; it can really contribute toroot girdlingif done improperly . On the whole , trees can plunk for themselves just o.k. . Contrary to pop belief , they can benefit from some movement , which allows them to uprise potent taper and equalizer .
Of course , untested tree diagram and trees in windy areas can expend some staking to stick around grounded , but staking these trees may not significantly help their root and body mature stronger . Even in these case , you finally want to remove your stakes about six months to a year after placing them down .
Myth 5: You should plant your tree deeply to help it develop roots
There ’s a misconception that trees set up strong roots if you plant them deep . If you have well - draining soil , you should never implant your Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree deeper than the height of its root clump . So what should your tree search like ? After planting , your ascendent flash should be seeable . Even a mere half - inch above the stem ball canlead to improper water uptakeand a weakly tree diagram .
mystifying planting can induce the trunk to erupt down at the territory parentage , which may kill the Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree over prison term . Your planting hole should be wider than it is deep , as tree root typically spread horizontally more than they do so vertically to stabilise the trunk .
The next meter you bring a tree home for your garden , keep these tree fact in mind for the healthiest and most vigorous growth potential . Even after Arbor Day , you may still keep all the wonders of trees by planting your own . commend to embed your tree deep enough ( but not too deep ) and go easy on thestaking and mulching . With due program , you ’ll be able-bodied to revel the wages of your measured maintenance for years down the line .