Skip to main content

5 silly tree myths we’re debunking this Arbor Day

Trees are so beneficial and widely revered that they even have a whole holiday devoted to them: Arbor Day. This day is all about the wonders of nature, and it’s even a tradition to plant a tree to celebrate it. But even though trees have a stellar reputation, there’s plenty of misinformation about these towering, leafy living organisms masquerading as tree facts. Keep reading to learn the five tree myths we’re debunking so you can better understand trees and find out how to care for them properly when you plant them this Arbor Day.

Garden with trees
Mint Images/Getty Images

Myth 1: Trees can “heal” themselves

Trees can’t repair damaged tissue like people and animals because of their rigid cell walls. When our bodies heal wounds, they replace or repair injured tissue. Instead of fixing anything, trees “compartmentalize” wounds. The damaged tissue stays permanent (but localized) as the tree grows wound wood over the impacted area to seal it away.

Keeping this in mind, don’t throw caution to the wind and inadvertently harm your trees with your garden and lawn equipment (such as your lawnmower). If your tree gets injured, allow it to seal off the wound on its own; refrain from applying any coats or preservatives to the injury, which could worsen matters.

Myth 2: Tree roots crack sidewalks

Tree roots emerging from sidewalks are usually a result of poor planning rather than an aggressively growing tree. Cement actually cracks on its own as soil volume changes from moisture level and temperature. When cement cracks, roots want to move toward the opening to access more light and air. This movement widens cracks and pushes cement upward.

The real issue at hand is that sidewalks and pathways are designed without consideration for soil conditions. Tree roots may weaken already-cracked cement, but they aren’t responsible for the cracking itself. As you plant trees near cement (if you must), it does help to pick small, slow-growing trees. This way, you can prevent future chances of heaving.  

Person planting a tree
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Myth 3: Extra mulch is beneficial for your tree

Mulch can help plants retain moisture and stay cool in hot weather. That said, too much mulch can pose problems for your tree, particularly when it comes to soil aeration and moisture levels. Roots growing up to the mulch can lead to root girdling when roots circle around the trunk at or below the soil line and eventually kill the tree.

And then, of course, mulch can conceal rot and decay on the tree base. When in doubt, go with 3 or 4 inches of mulch. If you have your tree in compact, poor-draining soil, you may want to go with even less mulch to prevent any chance of root rot.

Myth 4: Staking trees actually makes them stronger

Although beneficial in some cases, staking down a tree isn’t always necessary; it can actually contribute to root girdling if done improperly. On the whole, trees can support themselves just fine. Contrary to popular belief, they can benefit from some movement, which allows them to develop strong taper and balance.

Of course, younger trees and trees in windy areas can use some staking to stay grounded, but staking these trees may not significantly help their roots and trunks grow stronger. Even in these cases, you eventually want to remove your stakes about six months to a year after placing them down.  

Person planting a tree
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Myth 5: You should plant your tree deeply to help it develop roots

There’s a misconception that trees establish stronger roots if you plant them deeply. If you have well-draining soil, you should never plant your tree deeper than the height of its root ball. So what should your tree look like? After planting, your root flare should be visible. Even a mere half-inch above the root ball can lead to improper water uptake and a weaker tree.

Deep planting can cause the trunk to break down at the soil line, which may kill the tree over time. Your planting hole should be wider than it is deep, as tree roots typically spread horizontally more than they do so vertically to stabilize the trunk.

The next time you bring a tree home for your garden, keep these tree facts in mind for the healthiest and most vigorous growth possible. Even after Arbor Day, you can still celebrate all the wonders of trees by planting your own. Remember to plant your tree deep enough (but not too deep) and go easy on the staking and mulching. With due diligence, you’ll be able to enjoy the rewards of your careful maintenance for years down the line. 

Editors' Recommendations

Topics
Stacey Nguyen
Stacey's work has appeared on sites such as POPSUGAR, HelloGiggles, Buzzfeed, The Balance, TripSavvy, and more. When she's…
This is the best fertilizer for your pomegranate trees
Pomegranate tree with ripening fruit

If you're a fan of pomegranates, then you know they can be expensive and a challenge to eat, but you also know they are well worth it for the treat. The best way to spend less money on pomegranates is to grow them yourself. However, unless you have a long history of working in pomegranate orchards, you may not know what nutrients pomegranate trees need.

Can you make everything they need in the comfort of your own home, or should you outsource and get fertilizer from a professional? We’ve got the answers you need. Read on to learn what the best fertilizer for pomegranate trees is and more details on fertilizing your pomegranate trees.
What are pomegranates?
Before we talk about what the trees need, let's briefly explain what pomegranates are. Pomegranate trees (Punica granatum) are hardy tropic to subtropic plants or shrubs that can tolerate hot and dry conditions. These trees produce reddish-brown fruits that have smooth and hard exteriors. The interior of the fruit is the edible part and consists of white, pulpy mesocarp surrounding small seeds that are sweet and full of antioxidants known to have several health benefits.
What do pomegranate trees need?
Like all flowering and fruiting trees, pomegranates need a lot of nitrogen and enjoy acidic soil. Nitrogen helps plants grow and develop, and can improve the quantity and quality of fruit. A balanced fertilizer that contains nitrogen provides your pomegranate trees with everything they need to grow.

Read more
Wondering how to grow an arborvitae tree? We have your answers
arborvitae trees in a line

You might not know what it's called, but as soon as you see the arborvitae tree, you'll recognize it right away. Landscapes all across the United States feature its classic tall pyramid look. However, adding this tree to your yard can be intimidating if you don't know what you're doing. To help, we'll go over everything you need to know, from how to plant arborvitae trees to caring for them in the long term. 
What are arborvitae trees?
The arborvitae tree, or Thuja, is a very popular evergreen that you can see all across the United States. Landscape designers love this plant's elegant shape and low-maintenance care. You can use the trees as hedges and natural privacy fences or grow the trees to add height to a landscape design.

The arborvitae tree is versatile and you can grow it in a pot or in the soil, depending on your specific needs. The trees are easy to grow and ideal for beginners in landscaping. Additionally, they are super easy to find in stores because of their popularity. 

Read more
Crabapple trees offer 4 seasons of beauty – how to care for them
Crabapple tree in bloom

There are few things that can fill space in a garden without detracting from its beauty quite like a tree. Trees are good for the environment and they can offer shade and even be a source of food. There are tons of beautiful flowering trees to choose from, but one that you may overlook is the crabapple tree. These trees are hardy in many climate zones, easy to care for, and a favorite of bees. If this sounds like a good fit for you and your yard, then keep reading to find out how to plant and care for crabapple trees.
When and how to plant crabapple trees
Although you can start crabapple trees from seeds, it’s a much quicker and easier task to grow them from saplings. You can find these saplings in nurseries or online. There are many varieties, and size can vary a lot between them. Dwarf and semi-dwarf varieties tend to grow 5 to 10 feet tall, while full-sized varieties grow from 15 to 20 feet. This is important to note, since you can plant smaller varieties closer to existing structures, while larger varieties need more space.

It's best to plant crabapple trees when the weather is mildly cool and the ground is soft. In most regions, this makes the ideal time to plant them either spring or fall. If you have harsh winters, spring may be the better option, so you can avoid the extra work of protecting young trees from the cold. Choose a planting site with full to partial sun, average, well-draining soil, and plenty of space.

Read more