Homeowners

How To Kill a Tree

Trees may be exposed to diseases caused by living organisms and can spread those diseases to other trees. There are also tree problems caused by environmental conditions but these are not contagious, including nutritional deficiencies, pollution, salinity and climatic extremes. More than insect or disease, we are often the greatest threat to tree health and longevity. Soil compaction, overwatering, underwatering, vandalism and your selected trees unsuitability for its environment account for more tree deaths than pests and pathogens combined.

Prevention is the best line of defense against avoidable tree disease, so take note of these rules for practical tree medicine.

A Naked Tree is a Happy Tree

• Trees are sensitive to foreign objects, so make certain to avoid nailing or attaching items to trees.
  • This will damage the bark and girdle branches.
• Don’t leave your trees staked too long; the guy wire may girdle the trunk.
• Tape and other wrapping materials will constrict trunk growth and possibly rot the bark.

Overwatering and Poor Drainage

• Overwatering fosters disease-causing organisms, shallow root growth and weed generation.
• Intermittent soil-drying promotes deeper root systems, inhibits harmful organisms, impedes weed growth and conserves water.
• Poor-drainage usually occurs in low-lying areas and is often aggravated by compaction from heavy traffic.

Don’t Over-treat Your Trees

• Excessive fertilization promotes succulent growth, but seedlings or rooted cuttings whose roots and stems become hard and woody soon after they are established are more resistant to disease.
• Excessive use of pesticides jeopardizes good microorganisms or may cause some pests to develop a pesticide resistance.
• Check to make certain you are using the proper pesticide and avoid using pesticides during the hottest part of the day, or in dry, windy conditions.

No Heavy Pruning

• Heavy pruning weakens trees limbs and can expose bark and inner foliage to sun-scalding damage.
• Improper pruning (hat-racking, topping or so-called lollipopping) can inflict wounds that encourage improper growth and internal decay.