As humans, we can’t live without trees. Not only humans, but no animals could live without trees either. Trees make our environment beautiful, increase property value, and help us maintain biodiversity. When trees do so many things for us, it’s our responsibility as humans to take care of them.
But the problem is, when some of us do tree care without proper knowledge, we unknowingly follow outdated advice or rely on myths during maintenance. The truth is, these tree care myths don’t help trees grow they actually harm them. Whether it’s the way you prune, water, or plant your trees, there’s a lot of misinformation out there.
So in this blog, we are debunking common myths about tree care and maintenance to help you make smarter and better-informed decisions.
Let’s see what we have for you and get the knowledge you need.
Myth 01: Trees Don’t Need Regular Maintenance
One of the more persistent tree care myths is the belief that trees grow just fine on their own in forests, so they don’t need any help in our yards. This is one of the most misleading common tree care misconceptions. While it’s true that trees grow naturally in forests, the conditions there are completely different from what trees face in urban and suburban environments.
In cities and neighborhoods, trees deal with compacted soil, air pollution, construction damage, and limited root space. These stress factors make regular maintenance essential. Ignoring this leads to preventable issues like weak branch structures, pest infestations, and poor overall health.
Implementing proper tree care practices, such as structural pruning, seasonal inspections, and soil health monitoring, helps trees adapt and thrive in these environments. Dismissing these needs is a classic example of dangerous tree maintenance misconceptions that could put both the tree and property at risk.
Myth 02: Tree Trimming Hurts the Tree.
One of the most common tree care myths is that trimming or pruning harms the tree. This idea has been passed down through generations, but the truth is, when trimming and pruning are done correctly, they actually help trees grow really well. Not only that, it helps shape the tree, remove dead or diseased branches, and avoid any risks involved.
There are so many tree-trimming myths. Among them, most people think trimming in summer will always kill a tree, and another one is that when you cut a tree, it grows really fast. But both of these are true.
The reality is that when trimming and pruning are planned at the right time and in the right season, it improves structure, boosts air circulation, and reduces disease risk for a tree. But in order to do that, you need to separate tree care facts vs myths, so you can have a green, healthy yard and avoid common tree care misconceptions.
Myth 03: Watering Every Day is Good for Trees
A widely believed idea in the world of tree care myths is that trees need to be watered every single day. While it sounds caring, this practice can actually do more harm than good. One of the most dangerous myths about tree watering is the assumption that more water equals better growth. In reality, the overwatering trees misconception can lead to root suffocation, nutrient loss, and even root rot.
Tree roots need both water and oxygen. When the soil is constantly saturated, it deprives roots of the air they need to stay healthy. This weakens the tree from below the surface, affecting overall vitality.
If you’re wondering how to identify and treat root rot in your backyard trees, then you can review this blog. We’ve gathered all the information for you.
TIP – Instead of shallow daily watering, deep watering once or twice a week is often better, depending on the season and soil type.
Myth 04: All Trees Should Be Planted the Same Way
There are so many tree planting myths when it comes to planting methods. Most people think we can use the same approach for all tree planting, but that’s not true. Each tree has specific needs, and while some methods may be similar, you should always be aware of the best practice for your particular plant before you begin.
Another common myth is that every tree species requires the same soil, watering, and spacing. That’s also not true. Before you decide on those factors, you need to consider things like soil composition, climate conditions, and available space.
Myth 05: Any Tree Service Can Handle Your Tree Needs
One of the more costly tree care myths is believing that any landscaping service can properly take care of your trees. Many homeowners fall for this, trusting untrained workers who offer cheap rates but lack the skills and knowledge needed. This is one of the most dangerous common tree care misconceptions, as improper care can lead to long-term damage or even tree loss.
Certified arborists are trained professionals who understand tree health and myths, diseases, structural issues, and safety hazards. They know how to separate tree care facts from myths and apply science-backed methods rather than outdated advice.
Before hiring, always ask for credentials, insurance, and references. Don’t be afraid to get multiple quotes and compare services. Taking shortcuts may seem affordable in the short term, but it’s not worth risking the health and safety of your trees.
You need to ask some important questions to make sure this is the right tree service for you. If you don’t know what to ask, here are the top 5 questions you should ask a tree care service before hiring them.
Myth 06 - Tree Wounds Should Be Painted or Sealed.
One of the persistent tree care myths is that painting or sealing a tree wound helps it heal faster. While this practice was common decades ago, modern arborists now agree it does more harm than good. Covering a wound can actually trap moisture and bacteria, creating the perfect environment for decay and disease.
This is one of the common tree care misconceptions still seen today, especially by those who follow outdated methods. It’s also one of the more misunderstood tree maintenance misconceptions, as sealing a wound gives the illusion of protection without any real benefit to the tree.
Modern, science-backed tree care emphasizes allowing wounds to dry and heal naturally. Trees have an amazing ability to compartmentalize damage and seal themselves over time.
Now you probably have a clear idea of the most famous and common tree care myths that many of us still believe. While there are plenty out there, these are some of the most widespread. When you hear certain “facts” about tree care, it’s important to do your research. What works for one tree or one situation may not apply to yours. That’s why getting advice from a professional tree care service is so important.
As we mentioned earlier, not just any service will do; you need one that’s certified, experienced, and reliable. And that’s exactly where KD Tree Service comes in.
KD Tree Service is a trusted name in tree care, proudly serving communities across the USA for over 14 years. Since launching in 2011, we’ve grown from a small local team to a full-service tree company with multiple locations nationwide.
Our skilled tree care specialists provide a full range of services, from expert consultations and pruning to safe removals and emergency response. Backed by deep industry knowledge and a passion for healthy landscapes, we’re committed to delivering top-tier service every time.
We’ve built a strong reputation for reliability, fair pricing, and professionalism. Our clients trust us not just for our skills, but also for our dedication to safety, customer satisfaction, and affordable, high-quality solutions.
When you’re looking for dependable and professional tree care, KD Tree Service is the team you can count on.
