Myths About Trees
Trees have always played a prominent role in mythology and, on most occasions, their existence is considered a vital part of the construction of the universe. Trees have become symbols of life and rebirth in folklore tales, with some myths seeing them as a bridge between our world and the world of the supernatural. Whether it is in myths or in real life, trees are crucial to our existence and it is up to us to take care of them. While people tend to care for trees in different ways, there are a couple of myths that need to be debunked because they can do more harm than good.
The first myth is that trees need big piles of mulch. While it is important to add mulch around the trees so that it can help them grow, people tend to think that piling up big piles of mulch is healthy — it’s not. It is recommended to create a 3-4-inch-deep ring of mulch around the tree, leaving a 3–4-inch gap between them. The gap between the mulch and tree helps avoid any excessive moisture that could harm the tree. Want to know more about mulching? Read our blog about it and check out this additional resource.
The second myth is that tree wounds need dressing. There are times when a tree gets injured and people feel the need to provide dressing right away so that they can help it heal, but the truth is that trees are not the same as humans. A tree will only heal correctly and faster if it is left alone to heal naturally.
The third myth is that all leaning trees are dangerous. It is understandable to think that all leaning trees are dangerous, but in most cases they are not. There are times where a tree will lean towards the light if it is not receiving any direct sunlight from above and other times it is just the way that particular specimen grows. The best way to identify if a leaning tree is dangerous is if it has started leaning overnight or during a short period in time. If a tree has been leaning since day one, then it is mostly safe, but we still recommend having a certified arborist inspect the tree just to be cautious.
The fourth myth is that any tree is perfect for any spot. It is important to have native trees and plants in our ecosystem because, although every tree provides shade, only native trees can create a healthy environment to support biodiversity. There are many non-native trees that do not provide any support to native insects and animals and others that are invasive to our environment, like the Trees of Heaven (Ailanthus). Looking for more information about which native trees to plant on your property? Check out this resource.