Tree Misconceptions

I encourage and get asked many questions regarding trees. Trees are complex living organisms and there is a lot we do not know about them. Research, however,is always finding new discoveries and present-day technology is unfolding many unique and interesting facts about trees. In an effort to update everyone on a few misconceptions about trees I am including the following ‘questions’ that I often hear:

Q & A:

“I thought trees have deep roots.”

Most tree roots grow within the top 3 feet of soil. The fine, absorbing roots are usually within 18” of the soil surface. The roots then extend outward two to three times the height of the tree. Roots will grow where conditions are most favorable, which may not be in a symmetrical circle around the tree. Roots need water and oxygen. Soil is made up of particles and voids called pore spaces. Soil that has endured foot traffic, vehicle parking or construction activity is generally lacking these pore spaces that allow for air and water movement. This is often why trees have difficulty growing where these activities happen.

“Do I need to feed my tree?”

A tree generates its ‘food’ through photosynthesis which requires light, water, and a few essential minerals. The chlorophyll in the leaves captures the sun’s energy and is held in a chemical bond of carbon dioxide and water. This is the molecule glucose (sugar) and it is water soluble. It moves out from the leaves to other parts of the tree. This is the tree’s food – its energy source. Fertilizers are made up of essential elements not sugar, thus they are not a source of food for trees.

“Is the moss and lichen killing my tree?”

Moss and lichen have a symbiotic relationship with trees that extends millions of years. Within the moss and lichen are entire microscopic ecosystems of their own that research is just beginning to understand. Lichen and moss protect the tree’s bark from scalding by the sun, from detrimental fungal spores which may have difficulty penetrating the moss, and from some wood boring insects which often don’t like the taste of lichen. Moss and lichen are not parasitic, they are epiphytes. And when storm winds blow lichen to the ground, it decomposes and may add the beneficial element, phosphorus, to the soil.

“What do you mean by trees adding value to my property?”

Trees are often a misunderstood asset to homeowners. There is value in the shade a tree provides to your home as it reduces your summertime need for air-cooling. A tree generates value by providing aesthetics to your property. Real estate gives a 6% to 15% added value for landscape trees on a property.

"What's the latest information regarding fruit tree pruning?"

Most of the general information for pruning fruit trees is based on orchardists and their practices which involve large-scale production. Backyard fruit trees or smaller orchards are different. The trees in these situations can be recipients to arboricultural practices that do not have to compete with heavy harvesting machinery, spacing allotments, pruning cycles, etc., thus allowing for a very different approach.

"This is the first time in our history that the world has a common concern; our environment." -Dr. Alex L. Shigo