Myth: Filling cavities benefits trees.
Fact: Cavity filling can actually weaken a hollow tree. A certified arborist should inspect the tree and if necessary, a cable or guy wire can be professionally installed to give additional support.

Myth: Pruning cuts on trees have to be painted to seal out insects and disease.
Fact: Painting pruning cuts is not recommended. When the paint dries, it cracks, allowing water to collect between the paint and the wood. This promotes decay much more quickly than if the cuts were simply left alone.

Myth: I see dead branches in my tree; therefore, it’s dying.
Fact: Trees will often shed branches as light and and the availability of nutrients changes. There are conditions, however, which need to be addressed when dieback occurs. Contact a Lucas tree care professional if you have doubts.

Myth: Ants speed up the decay in trees.
Fact: Ants live in trees and eat elsewhere. Ants keep their galleries very clean and in doing so they slow the decay process. It is true that the presence of ants in a tree is an indicator that some decay may exist.

Myth: Removing conks will stop decay in trees.
Fact: The conk is the fruiting body of the fungus associated with the rot. Removing the conk will not stop or slow the decay process.

Myth: All insects and fungi that live on or around trees are harmful.
Fact: Less than one percent of insects and fungi are harmful to the trees that they live on or around. The vast majority are beneficial to pollination and nutrient absorption.

Myth: A tree’s roots go half way to China.
Fact: In reality 90% of a tree’s root system is within 12 to 18 inches of the surface.

Myth: Trees don’t need fertilizer. They do fine in the forest.
Fact: Forest trees don’t fight pavements, streets, drainage problems and competition for food from lawns and shrubs. Fertilizer helps trees to stay alive in our tough urban/suburban jungle.

Myth: I treated for browntail moth last year, so I don‘t have to treat this year.
Fact: Trees treated last year can easily be re-infested from neighboring areas this year.