Tree Care Richmond Hill: Four Tree Care Missteps That Will Harm Your Tree
Trees are an important part of your landscape. They provide shade, beauty, and enhance the value of your property. Because they take years to grow, they\’re also an investment of your time. That\’s why taking proper care of them is so important, and why you want to avoid these four common tree care mistakes that can cause great harm:
Topping
When a tree gets too tall, people sometimes cut off all the stems and limbs as well as the trunk above a certain height which gives the tree a flat top. This is called topping. The leftover stumps from the cut trunk and larger branches expose the tree to disease. The tree also loses significant foliage, which reduces its ability to derive energy from sunlight. This weakens the tree and increases its vulnerability to disease.
Trunk Damage
Trunk damage exposes the inner layers beneath the bark to insects and pathogens. It also interferes with the transport of water and nutrients between the roots and canopy of the tree. When using lawn mowers and other lawn equipment, be careful not to bump into or scrape the trunk of a tree.
Allowing Plant Growth near or on the Tree
Don\’t let plants and vines grow along the base and up the tree. These plants compete with the tree for moisture, sunlight (in the case of vine infestation), and soil nutrients. They also provide a habitat for animals and pests that can damage the tree.
Planting a Tree in a Bad Location
Take care not to plant a tree under a power line which will cause problems when it grows to the same height. This is not only bad for the tree and power line, it is also a safety hazard for people next to the tree. High voltage electricity conducts through living wood. Trees planted too close to sewer lines can damage them when the roots grow around and inside them.
If you have questions about what you should and shouldn\’t do with your trees, or if you require the help of Richmond Hill tree care specialists, don\’t hesitate to contact us. You can follow along on Facebook and Instagram, or you can contact us here if you have any questions.
