a few common maintenance mistakes

Here are a few commonly-seen maintenance mistakes and suggested maintenance practices.

1. Mulch Volcanos (installing excessive mulch at base of tree)

Don't: One very common practice is installing mulch against the trunk of the tree; sometimes referred to as a mulch volcano. Tree roots need both air and water. Piling mulch around the base of the tree means that the roots cannot get access to air without encircling the raised mulch area which will not allow for healthy tree growth

Do: Install a 2-3" layer of mulch that tapers to no depth at the base of the tree. Always ensure that the root flare is visible.

2. Pruning Mistakes:

Don't: Trees and shrubs are often pruned at the wrong time of the year. Improper pruning techniques are frequently used.

Do: For optimal plant health, use proper pruning practices, such as the following::

• prune at the correct time of year for that species in your region. For example, significant tree pruning is typically recommended during times of dormancy for the plant, for example in winter or summer in the Mid-Atlantic.

• use proper structural pruning techniques, for example in keeping with International Society of Arboriculture recommendations.

• when pruning tree limbs, use a pruning saw to cut adjacent to the branch collar, while saving the collar (the widened bark ring at the base of the branch). First do a cut vertically at the bottom of the proposed cut to prevent tearing of the bark when the branch falls.

• do not remove more than 80% of the crown of a tree

• for shrub pruning see blog, "pruning for healthy shrubs and more flowers" for info about shrub pruning techniques and timing.

3. Unclean planting beds:

Don't: When trees or shrubs lose any leaves or plant parts due to disease or insect damage, the dead leaves should not be left in the planting bed.

Do: For optimal health of your trees and shrubs, always remove dead and diseased leaves, and appropriately dispose of off-site.

Read more:

• The Maryland Nurseryman's Association is a great resource for maintenance and pruning

• International Society of Arboriculture provides resources on proper tree pruning techniques https://www.treesaregood.org/treeowner/pruningyourtrees