From the Inside Out: Diagnosing Hidden Tree Damage

Trees are one of the most valuable features of your landscape—providing shade, beauty, and natural balance. But when it comes to tree care, not everything you hear is true. Misinformation and old habits can actually harm your trees, causing long-term damage that’s difficult to fix. To keep your yard healthy and your trees thriving, let’s clear up some of the most common tree care myths that could be doing more harm than good. 🌳 Myth #1: Trees Don’t Need Regular Maintenance Truth: Even mature trees benefit from regular care. It’s a common belief that once a tree is established, it can survive without help. However, trees in residential areas face challenges that forest trees don’t—compacted soil, limited space, pollution, and improper watering. Regular inspections, pruning, and fertilization keep your trees healthy, prevent disease, and reduce safety hazards. At First Tree Service of Dallas, GA, our certified arborists provide proactive maintenance that helps trees grow strong and stay beautiful year after year. 🌿 Myth #2: All Pruning Is Good Pruning Truth: Improper pruning can severely damage a tree. Pruning is essential for tree health and shape—but only when done correctly. Cutting too much, pruning at the wrong time, or leaving large open wounds can weaken a tree and expose it to pests and disease. The safest approach is to have professionals handle pruning during the right season—usually late winter or early spring—when trees are dormant and less vulnerable to stress. 🌳 Myth #3: Topping Controls Tree Growth Truth: Topping is one of the most harmful tree care practices. “Topping,” or cutting back the main branches to reduce height, may seem like an easy solution for overgrown trees—but it actually leads to weak regrowth, decay, and even tree death. Instead, trained arborists use crown reduction or selective pruning, which safely reduce size while preserving the tree’s natural structure. If you have a large tree that’s too close to your home or power lines, First Tree Service of Dallas, GA can assess and safely manage its growth without harming its health. 🌱 Myth #4: Tree Roots Grow Deep Underground Truth: Most roots grow near the surface. Contrary to popular belief, the majority of a tree’s roots spread out within the top 12 to 18 inches of soil. That’s why compacted soil, construction, or heavy foot traffic near the base can seriously affect tree health. Protect the root zone from damage and avoid piling soil or mulch directly on top of it. 🍂 Myth #5: Mulching Heavily Around the Trunk Is Beneficial Truth: Too much mulch suffocates the roots. Mulch helps retain moisture and regulate temperature—but only when applied correctly. Piling mulch in a “volcano” shape around the trunk traps moisture and encourages rot and pests. The right way? Spread 2 to 4 inches of mulch in a wide circle, keeping it a few inches away from the trunk. 🌞 Myth #6: Trees Can Handle Any Weather on Their Own Truth: Extreme weather can severely stress your trees. From Georgia’s hot summers to heavy storms, trees endure constant environmental stress. Without proper care—like watering during droughts, bracing weak branches, or pruning storm-damaged limbs—trees can become dangerous or decline prematurely. Regular checkups help spot early signs of stress and prevent costly damage later. 🌼 Myth #7: Fertilizer Fixes All Tree Problems Truth: F ertilizer can’t cure underlying issues. While nutrients support growth, fertilizer won’t help if the problem is poor drainage, soil compaction, or disease. A soil test can reveal what your tree really needs, and a certified tree care expert can create a customized treatment plan that addresses the root cause—not just the symptoms. 🌳 Protect Your Landscape with Expert Tree Care Your trees deserve more than guesswork and myths—they deserve professional care rooted in science and experience. Whether it’s seasonal pruning, storm cleanup, or preventive maintenance, First Tree Service of Dallas, GA provides the expert solutions your trees need to stay strong, healthy, and safe. 📞 Contact First Tree Service of Dallas, GA today to schedule your tree inspection or maintenance service. Keep your landscape thriving and beautiful for generations to come. Tree Service, Tree Removal, Tree Trimming, Stump Removal First Tree Service of Dallas Ga Dallas, Ga 30157 404-238-7367 http://www.firsttreeservicedallasga.com/

Keeping your trees healthy and beautiful takes more than just watering and sunlight—it requires proper pruning and consistent maintenance. At First Tree Service of Dallas, GA, we believe that every cut counts. Smart pruning not only enhances your landscape’s appearance but also promotes strong, balanced, and disease-resistant trees. Here’s how regular, thoughtful tree care makes all the difference. Why Pruning Matters Tree pruning is about more than aesthetics. It’s an essential part of maintaining a tree’s structure, safety, and long-term health. Overgrown or poorly trimmed branches can: Block sunlight from reaching lower branches Create safety hazards near roofs, driveways, and power lines Invite disease or pest infestations through dead or damaged limbs By removing weak or excess branches, pruning directs a tree’s energy toward healthy growth, ensuring stronger limbs and fuller canopies for years to come. The Right Way to Prune Every tree is unique, but the principles of good pruning remain consistent. Here are a few best practices followed by our certified arborists: 1. Prune at the Right Time Timing is everything. The best time to prune most trees is during late winter or early spring, when they’re dormant. This minimizes stress and allows for faster healing once the growing season begins. 2. Make Clean, Precise Cuts Avoid tearing or ripping bark. Each cut should be smooth and made just outside the branch collar (the slightly raised area where a branch meets the trunk). This technique encourages natural healing and prevents decay. 3. Remove the Right Branches Focus on eliminating dead, diseased, or crossing branches. Thinning crowded areas allows better airflow and sunlight penetration, reducing the risk of fungal growth and improving overall tree balance. 4. Don’t Over-Prune Less is more. Removing too much foliage at once can shock the tree and weaken its ability to photosynthesize. A general rule is to never remove more than 25% of a tree’s canopy in a single season. Maintenance Beyond Pruning Healthy trees also need consistent care beyond cutting. Regular inspections and preventive maintenance help detect problems early—before they turn into expensive repairs or removals. Here’s what First Tree Service of Dallas, GA recommends: Annual Tree Health Checkups: Identify early signs of disease, pests, or nutrient deficiencies. Mulching and Soil Care: Keep roots insulated and hydrated with proper mulch application. Storm Preparation: Trim overextended branches before storm season to prevent property damage. Trust the Experts at First Tree Service of Dallas, GA Proper pruning requires skill, timing, and an understanding of each tree’s unique biology. Our professional team uses safe, science-backed methods to keep your trees thriving season after season. Whether you need a light trim or a full maintenance plan, we’ll ensure your trees stay strong, healthy, and beautiful all year long. Ready to Give Your Trees the Care They Deserve? Contact First Tree Service of Dallas, GA today for expert pruning and maintenance you can trust. Call us or schedule a consultation online to keep your landscape growing healthy and happy—one cut at a time. Tree Service, Tree Removal, Tree Trimming, Stump Removal First Tree Service of Dallas Ga Dallas, Ga 30157 404-238-7367 http://www.firsttreeservicedallasga.com/