10 Ways to Kill A Tree

10 Ways You Could Be Harming Your Trees

Trees are a beautiful addition to any property you have. Here in Central Florida, there are many types of trees that flourish in the weather. While taking proper care of your trees is vital, there are some ways you can actually damage, and even kill your trees. Some of the offenses you’re making to the tree ways may seem like you’re not really having much effect on it at all, but in reality, they can cause the tree to die and need to be removed.

Dusty’s Tree Service is your friendly professional tree service company in the area that has years of experience caring for trees of all types. We take time to go over the methods of removal with you, discuss how to keep your trees healthy and make sure that all the trees on the property are well-groomed and taken care of. Our team is here to help you with everything from tree trimming to land clearing.

Below are 10 ways you can harm, or even kill the trees on your property.

1. “Top” Your Tree To Encourage Weak Waterspout

Trimming your tree should be done by a professional tree service. If not, there are some things that can actually damage the tree. When you top a tree, this means cutting off the branches at the very top of the tree itself. This is usually a drastic removal of this area which leaves the tree vulnerable. Waterspouts are the new growth that comes back on the tree. When you top the tree too much, it can actually cause the regrowth to be very weak and susceptible to disease or other issues.

2. Plant Close To The House or Obstacle To Reduce Adequate Growing Space.

Trees need adequate space to grow and allow their roots to spread. When you plant trees too close to the home or another obstacle, it will reduce the growing space they have. This can cause the tree to have stunted growth, be more apt to decay or pests and cause it to not reach its full potential. When planting trees, it’s important to know the proper distance from your home or other items on the property where they should be planted. Start your tree out right by ensuring it is planted properly.

Before photo of a tree that was trimming above a blue house in dunnellon florida

3. Leave “Stubs” When Pruning to Promote Branch Decay

A stub that is left on a tree after pruning can cause a lot of damage you may not expect. Stubs should never be left behind but properly removed. These stubs can actually cause fungi or diseases to take root in the tree and cause it to decay further. Stubs can also cause weak regrowth which will take vital nutrients from the tree itself. Other than being unsightly, stubs just should not be left behind due to the risk they present.

4. Ignore Pests, Diseases, and Nutrient Deficiencies

Pests, disease, and nutrient deficiencies can wreak havoc on your trees. This should never be ignored but rather treated in the proper manner. To ensure your trees are not victims of decay due to these items, schedule your affordable tree service company to come and take a look. With a thorough evaluation, we can help you reverse disease and get rid of pests to save the trees on your property. You can also take care of any lack of nutrition found with the experts here at Dusty’s Tree Service.

Traces of Pine Bark Beetles in a Tree Trunk

5. Nail or Attach Items To Tree

Some homeowners have nailed items or even attached them with other means to their trees. This could be a sign or a decoration for the property. While it may look nice, it can cause damage to the tree that can lead to the death of the tree itself. Nailing items to the tree damage the bark and it punctures the inside of the tree. When that happens, it is opening up the tree to disease, nutrient loss, and even death down the road.

Never attach items by nails or other means to a tree on the property. Keeping the bark intact and removing the opportunity to puncture the inside is very vital.

6. Coat Pruning Cuts With Paint or Sealer

Some people believe that it’s a good idea to coat pruning cuts or wounds on a tree with paint or sealer. In reality, this is a very bad idea! This is not advised because this can actually impede the ability of the tree to heal itself. While some may think it will seal out the bugs or issues from getting inside the tree, in fact, it actually causes moisture to be locked in. When that happens it can reduce the chance for the tree to actually heal.

White washing your trees is not a good idea. It hinders the healing process of the tree.

7. Cut Large Branches Flush With The Trunk

If you decide to prune a tree on your own, never make the cuts flush to the trunk of the tree. When you do this, it destroys the tree’s natural ability to promote wound compartmentalization and to help with callus formation. Trees are constructed to be able to heal themselves in most instances. However, when branches are cut too close, it can impede the natural defense mechanism they have.

8. Cut Through Roots When Digging Trenches

Roots are the way a tree gets the water and nutrients it needs to survive. It is how a tree can grow, defend itself against damage, and even prevent wood rot. However, if you’re digging and digging through the roots, that puts all of that to a stop. Roots that are cut can remove the supply of water or nutrients going to the tree. This can cause the tree to then decay and become a hazard that requires a tree services company to come out.

9. Pile Mulch Against The Trunk

Mulch can be a beautiful addition to any landscaping project you have. It helps to give a clean, sleek finish to your yard. However, the placement of the mulch itself is critical. Mulch should not be piled close to or around a tree. This can cause massive issues with the tree, sometimes requiring tree trimming or removal altogether. Mulch can cause the tree to mold or decay when it is placed close to it. This decay can cause the tree to become unstable and become a hazard to the home.

Putting mulch around the base of your tree can smother the roots and leave your tree open for diseases.

10. Drown Roots Over Time

While trees need water, too much at one time can actually drown the roots and the tree itself. This can happen when the ground is oversaturated due to lots of rain or even overwatering. This causes the air pockets in the roots to be filled with water and suffocates the tree from getting the nutrients it needs. Just as other vegetation needs a balance, so do your trees. You may start to notice signs such as leaves turning yellow, blisters that are waterlogged appearing, or moss or mushrooms starting to grow at the base of the tree. This is a sign that your tree is overwatered and other measures need to be taken.

Call a Trained Professional

If you suspect that one or more of the trees on your property are in danger of dying don’t hesitate to reach out to the team today. We can assist you with all your tree needs.

352-231-9231

Contact Us