Avoiding Common Tree Mistakes

Avoiding Common Tree Mistakes

Three Growth Issues With Landscape Trees

by Chiara Brun

Overgrown trees can pose a danger to both themselves and to others. This is because a tree that is producing bad growth patterns is more likely to split or drop branches, which can result in injury to a person or damage to property. The poor growth and subsequent damage can also result in fatal injuries or leave the tree open to later disease or pest issues. The following can help you avoid three of the most common types of dangerous growth patterns.

#1: Suckers

Suckers occur when new shoots emerge from the root system of the tree. These are common on certain species, such as lilacs, as well as on trees that have been grafted onto a different root stock. Suckers can appear as scrubby growth near the base of the tree. These suckers are easy to identify so you can simply cut them off flush to the trunk where they emerge. Suckers may also emerge further out along the root system, sometimes several feet from the main trunk. Cut these suckers off just beneath the soil surface with shears or a sharp pruning saw. Allowing suckers to grow can weaken the tree, since the suckers divert nutrients and water from the primary trunk.

#2: Water Spouts

Water spouts are branches that grow in quickly along the main lateral branches on your tree. These new branches are typically nearly vertical. They can weaken the lateral branches, causing them to break due to weight of the new vertical branch. These branches also cause the main canopy of the tree to become unbalanced, which can also lead to breakage in heavy winds. Cut off water spouts as soon as you notice them, removing them flush to the lateral branch from which they emerge.

#3: Crossed Branches

Not all branches are healthy branches. One hidden danger in mature trees is the the crossed branch. These consist of at least two lateral branches following a similar growth trajectory, which has led to them crossing together. The crossed branches rub together, which will eventually lead to damage to the outer bark. This damage will then make the tree more susceptible to insect or disease infection, which could weaken the damaged branches or even affect the entire tree. Annual pruning to remove crossed branches before damage to this extent occurs is the best defense.

Schedule annual pruning with a local tree service—like Carlos Tree Service Inc or a similar location—to ensure your landscape trees don't fall prey to these growth issues.


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About Me

Avoiding Common Tree Mistakes

I have always been one of those people who isn't afraid to get their hands dirty, which is why I started trimming my own trees. However, after doing it by myself for a few years, I realized that my yard was starting to look a little DIY, which wasn't the look that I was going for. To make things right, I decided to invest in a professional tree service who could come out and fix up my yard. They were amazing to work with, and they even came with all of their own equipment. This blog is all about the benefits of professional tree care, versus doing things on your own.