Have you heard any tall tales about tall trees lately? Or even about short trees? Don’t be fooled by “they say you should . . . . ” Let The Morton Arboretum debunk 10 prevalent tree myths.

1. Myth: It’s okay to cut roots that are growing above ground.
Fact: It’s not okay. Removing roots will disrupt the trees ability to take in water and feed itself. If a root is severed completely, it can harm the tree’s stability in the ground.

2. Myth: It’s okay to cover tree roots that are exposed.
Fact: Sort of. Just make sure that you don’t cover them with more than a one-inch layer of soil, which would cut off oxygen supply to fine roots near the surface. It’s usually best to mulch the area beneath the tree with compost and/or wood chips, to allow enough water and oxygen into the roots.

3. Myth: Evergreens don’t drop their needles in the winter.
Fact: They do drop them, but they drop older needles (2-3 years old) found on the interior, closer to the trunk. Some like spruce and fir drop them gradually during the growing season. Others, like white pine, lose them during the fall. Still others, like larch and bald-cypress, are “deciduous,” meaning they lose their needles in the fall and grow another set every spring.

4. Myth: When planting trees and shrubs, prune them to compensate for root loss and to improve their shape.
Fact: They should not be pruned, unless to remove dead or diseased branches. Pruning will cause the plant to send energy to heal the wound, instead of using that energy to feed and re-establish itself. Pruning interferes with a plant’s ability to create the carbohydrates needed for root regeneration.

5. Myth: After pruning a large branch, pruning paint should be applied to the wound.
Fact: The Arboretum does not recommend pruning paints for most wounds as it interferes with the tree’s natural healing process. The only exception is when pruning oaks or elms during the growing season. Pruning paints may help minimize insect infestations, which spread Dutch elm disease and oak wilt.

6. Myth: Cutting the top off a tree is good for the tree, allowing it to grow more fully.
Fact: “Topping” a tree is harmful. New branches that grow where a tree is “topped” are weakly attached, and structurally unsound. Topping compromises the tree’s ability to manufacture energy. Large pruning wounds heal slowly, leaving a tree vulnerable to pests and diseases. Contact a certified arborist to prune a tree correctly.

7. Myth: Large, established trees do not need to be watered.
Fact: All trees need water, especially during drought. It is imperative to keep the upper 8-12 inches of soil evenly moist, at least as far as the branches spread (drip line). Don’t wait until your tree shows signs of drought stress, like wilting or yellowing, before watering.

8. Myth: It’s better to plant a big tree than a small one.
Fact: Studies show it takes longer for larger trees to adjust after transplanting. A small tree re-establishes roots faster and puts on top growth sooner than a large tree. Small trees are also less expensive.

9. Myth: Backfill soil should be improved with sand, peat or other organic matter to help newly transplanted trees grow.
Fact: The Arboretum recommends that backfill soil be similar in texture to the soil surrounding the transplanted tree. In general, no more than 25percent of organic matter should be added, as it may encourage the tree’s roots to stay in the backfilled soil instead of extending outwards beyond the planting hole.

10. Myth: All trees have a taproot.
Fact: Trees that germinate with a taproot eventually lose the taproot as the secondary roots grow and become more dominant. For most trees, the taproots that had initially established themselves are nonexistent when the tree reaches maturity.

Source: Morton Arboretum press release and Arboretum column in the Chicago Sun Times, November 2007.

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