10 Bad Things We Do to Our Trees
- "Loving a Tree to Death"
Staking and mulching newly planted trees seems to come naturally to even the
beginning urban tree planter. Hey, both practices can be beneficial when done
properly - but they also can be destructive when overdone or not done properly.
Staking and guying can make a tree grow taller, will anchor a tree in heavy winds and can protect trees from mechanical damage. Still, you must remember that some tree species need no staking at all and most trees need only minimal support for a short time. Staking can cause abnormal trunk growth, bark damage, girdling and cause a tree to become top heavy.
Mulching is a great practice but can also be done improperly. Never apply too much mulch around a tree. Mulch around the base of a tree that is over 5" deep can be too much to the point of effecting root and bark function. Avoid mulching right next to the base of the tree trunk.
Some think this is the best way to protect trees from the
lawnmower or weed eater. However they don’t realize there tree will be
suffering a slow death form this “protection”. Most trees actually need
protection from the tree owner.
It is just not a good practice to cover a tree's trunk base with plastic or
metal for protection from mechanical yard tools - especially on a permanent
basis. Instead, think about using good mulch that will keep the tree's base
weed free and worry free. In combination with a small amount of annual
herbicide, the mulch you apply will conserve moisture as well as prevent weed
competition.
Power lines and trees just don't mix. You can invest in a
sapling and years of growth only to see the tree topped by an electric utility
crew when the limbs touch their electric wires. You will get no sympathy from
your local power company and can expect a fight when you ask them to spare your
tree.
Utility right-of-ways are a tempting place to plant trees. They are usually
open and clear. Please resist that temptation. You can get by only if you plant
a small tree that has a projected lifetime height that is less than the height
of the power wires.
A
tree's health often takes a back seat when problems and opportunities demand
most of our time. I am as guilty as anyone and regret the times I've let things
slide. But being a tree owner comes with a bit of responsibility which a few of
us tend to put off to the point where the tree suffers permanent harm.
It
is just as important to nurse a tree back to health as it is to plant and
prepare it for a healthy future. Tree injury and improper pruning can lead to
the death of a tree. Regular maintenance and proper attention is necessary when
a tree sustains injury.
In many cases trees can not compete with an aggressive plant that can
completely control all nutrients and light. Many plants can take advantage of
their spreading habit (many are vines) and have the ability to overwhelm the
most vigorous tree. You can plant spreading shrubs and vines but keep them away
from your trees.6. "Suffering in the Dark"
Some trees, depending on the species, can suffer from too much shade. Simply
put, many conifers and hardwood trees have to be in full sunlight most of the
day to survive. These trees are what foresters and botanists call "shade
intolerant". Trees that can take shade are shade tolerant.7. "The Incompatible Neighbor"
Every
tree has its own unique growth potential. How tall and wide a tree grows is not
only determined by its health and the condition of the site, but the final size
of a tree will also be determined by its genetic growth potential. Most good
tree guides will give you height and spread information. You need to refer to
that every time you plan to plant.
A tree's root system is the most vital organ on a tree. When
roots fail to work properly the tree will eventually decline and die. A few
common mistakes made by tree owners is to build or pave over roots, excavate on
and around the tree trunk, park or store equipment and/or toxic material over
the root zone.
Poor tree placement and the lack of a landscape plan can
harm both your tree and the property it battles to live with. Always avoid
planting trees that will outgrow the space provided. Damage to building
foundations, water and utility lines and walkways are the usual cause of
damage. In most cases, the tree has to be removed.
Trees can easily become convenient fence posts, light poles
and ornament stands. Don't be tempted into using a standing tree for purposes
of utility and decoration by attaching them with permanent invasive anchors.
Question: Jimmie,
I planted 12 different roses in my backyard last fall. I have yet to see any
blooms. What am I doing wrong? Thanks for your time. Julie P. in Prosper
Answer: Hi Julie,
Here are some of the reasons that roses don't bloom.
- The rose plant is not getting enough sun. Roses need at least 6 hours of direct sun a day to perform well.
- The rose needs more water. Roses like at least an inch of water per week during the growing season.
- The plant has been given too much fertilizer, especially Nitrogen. Too much fertilizer can either damage the plant or cause it to grow extra leaves and stems at the expense of blooms.
- The rose is a new plant. Don't expect too much from a plant during its first year.
- Rose is a once blooming variety. This means it will bloom only once a year in the late spring or early summer.
- Soil pH is too low or too high. If the pH is not in the range of 6.0 to 6.8 (ideally 6.5) then nutrient uptake will be reduced, and the plant won't be getting the food it needs to produce flowers.
- Not enough foliage. If the bush doesn't have adequate foliage, it can't produce the food it needs to make new flowers. Inadequate foliage may result from disease or too little fertilizer. Hopefully one of these you will be able to associate with your roses. Until next time…Happy Gardening!!!
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