Our yards are our own little gardens of Eden, so today we’re going to talk about “what NOT to do” to the trees in our yards.

Our first topic is “Tree Topping”. What in the world is that??  And why would you do it?

“Topping” is an unacceptable pruning practice that began centuries ago as “pollarding” in Europe. Today though it’s practice doesn’t benefit either the tree or the homeowner.  

The tree suffers in a number of ways and the homeowner definitely doesn’t get any ‘curb appeal’. So let’s look at why you wouldn’t want to do this to your trees.

When a tree gets topped such a large portion of the crown and canopy is removed that it causes structural instability – which means the possibility of breaking or falling with the stress of high winds or heavy snowfalls.  

Instead of having strong, well shaped branches a topped tree now has short stubby branches that sprout thin, weak growth. Cutting the main branches down to short stubs can also lead to decay, disease and insects  in those branches. Trees make their own food through photosynthesis. When the volume of leaf area is significantly reduced the tree suffers.  

Are there alternatives to tree topping?   Yes, there are! 

It’s called Crown Reduction and Selective Pruning. This type of pruning helps to maintain an attractive branch structure and removes any damaged or diseased areas all while improving and prolonging the life of the tree.  But it won’t significantly reduce the height of a tree. It’s a practice best done by a Certified Arborist.

If  you’ve found , in reality, that you have the wrong tree in the wrong place the best course of action might be to take it down and replant with an appropriate specimen.  

And now on to our next example of what NOT do do to your trees.

“Volcano Mulching”.    We’ve all seen it….. and some of us do it. 

Ok, it’s not really a ‘volcano’…. Maybe more of a mound of mulch.  But whatever you call it there’s a better way to do it.   And because it’s done so often it’s become an accepted way to mulch.  Except it isn’t…. especially for the tree.  

Why??  Let me start off with, mulching is good and has so many benefits!  Like adding nutrients to soil, minimizing soil compaction, protecting the tree trunk from mowers and trimmers, helping with water retention. 

But mulching volcano-style  buries the roots too deeply which can result in ‘girdling roots’, which choke the tree,  as the root system grows in search of oxygen, water and nutrients.  

And it doesn’t allow for ‘root flare’, which is where the tree trunk widens into it’s root system. This is the tree’s oxygen system, where there is an exchange of nutrients and oxygen essential for health and growth.  Every tree has root flare. 

Too much mulch also limits the availability of nitrogen – a necessary nutrient for every plant – to be accessible.  In a word, too much mulch can suffocate and starve a tree.

A clear case of  “a little is good,  but a lot is not.”

And that volcano shape also means water runs off the mulched area when the intention was to keep it adequately moist.

A big mound of mulch may also give rodents (those cute chipmunks)  a new home, with the bark of the tree trunk becoming a tasty treat. 

So now the question is what’s the right way to mulch? It’s pretty easy.  You’ll want to lay down a 2 – 4 inch deep layer of mulch around the tree, under the canopy. The diameter is up to you but remember to keep the root flare exposed and not in contact with the mulch.  And you can create a little one inch berm around the outside edge to help reduce water run off, if you  want.  Your tree will thank you for it! 

Happy Summer,    Bradley Tree & Landscape