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#1: Don’t Top Trees! Never cut main branches to stubs. Many arborists say that topping is the worst thing you can do for the health of a tree. It starves the tree by drastically reducing its food-making ability and makes the tree more susceptible to insects and disease. #2: Use the 1/3 and 1/4 Rule of Pruning Never remove more than 1/4 of a trees crown in a season. Where possible, try to encourage side branches that form angles that are 1/3 off vertical (10:00 or 2:00 positions). #3: How to Make a Pruning Cut Large Limbs: A: Make a partial cut from beneath. B: Make a second cut from above several inches out and allow the limb to fall. C: Complete the job with a final cut just outside the branch collar.
Make a sharp clean cut, just beyond a lateral bud or other branch. #4: The Value of Mulch A tree's best friend, mulch insulates soil, retains moisture, keeps out weeds, prevents soil compaction, reduces lawnmower damage, and adds an aesthetic touch to a yard or street. #5: Where the Root Really Grows A: Because roots need oxygen, they don't normally grow in the compacted oxygen-poor soil under paved streets. B: The framework of major roots usually lies less than 8 to 12 inches below the surface. C: Roots often grow outward to a diameter one to two times the height of the trees. #6: Girdling Kills Trees Girdling is any activity that injures the bark of a tree and extends around much of the trunk’s circumference. Often caused by lawnmowers and weed trimmers. #7: How to Plant a Containerized Tree Ideally, dig or roto till an area one foot deep and approximately 5 times the diameter of the root ball. The prepared soil will encourage root growth beyond the root ball and results in a healthier tree. #8: How to Plant a Bare-Root Tree It is best to plant bare-root trees immediately, in order to keep the fragile roots from drying out. If you can't plant because of weather or soil conditions, store the trees in a cool place and keep the roots moist. #9: You’re Street Trees Maybe City Trees
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Tree Tips
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