Debunking Tree Care Myths: What Homeowners Often Get Wrong
Trees are one of the most valuable and beautiful features of your property. They provide shade, increase property value, and enhance curb appeal. But over the years, we’ve seen countless well-meaning homeowners unintentionally harm their trees—by following bad advice.
At Kolcun Tree Care, we’ve spent over 20 years providing trusted, professional tree services across Bluffton, Hilton Head Island, Savannah, and the Lowcountry. Backed by ISA-certified arborists, we’re here to set the record straight on some of the most common tree care myths—and help you make smart decisions for the health and safety of your landscape.
Myth #1: Trees Don’t Need Maintenance
The Truth:
Just like your lawn, shrubs, or flower beds, your trees need regular care. Neglecting
trimming and pruning or health checks can lead to:
- Dead or hazardous limbs
- Increased risk of storm damage
- Pest infestations and disease
- Premature tree removal
Tree trimming and pruning not only keep your trees looking great—they improve structure, promote healthy growth, and reduce risk.
Myth #2: Topping a Tree is a Safe Way to Reduce Its Size
The Truth:
Topping—cutting off the top of a tree to reduce height—is one of the most harmful things you can do. It leads to:
- Rapid regrowth of weak, unstable limbs
- Increased susceptibility to disease and insects
- Sunscald and decay from exposed wood
If a tree needs height management, an ISA-certified arborist can perform strategic pruning techniques like crown reduction or thinning to safely reshape the canopy—without harming the tree’s structure or long-term health.
Myth #3: Trees Can "Heal" Themselves After Any Cut
The Truth:
Unlike human skin, tree wounds never “heal.” Instead, they seal over with a protective barrier. If pruning cuts are made incorrectly—too close, too far, or at the wrong angle—it leaves the tree vulnerable to:
- Disease and fungus
- Insect invasion
- Structural weakness
That’s why we always recommend professional arborist services for any substantial trimming, especially for large or mature trees.
Myth #4: Mulch Should Be Piled Up Against the Trunk
The Truth:
You’ve probably seen the infamous “mulch volcano” around tree trunks. It may look tidy, but piling mulch too high and too close causes:
- Rot and fungus at the tree’s base
- Pest attraction
- Root suffocation and instability
Best Practice:
Apply mulch in a flat, donut-shaped ring 2–4 inches deep, keeping it 2–3 inches away from the trunk.
Myth #5: Fertilizing Once a Year is Enough
The Truth:
While some trees can go without additional nutrients, others—especially those in compacted soil or near turf—benefit from routine
tree fertilization. Factors like species, age, weather, and soil quality all impact how and when fertilization is needed.
At Kolcun Tree Care, we customize fertilization programs based on soil tests, tree health, and property needs—whether residential or commercial. Done correctly, fertilization strengthens root systems, promotes growth, and boosts natural disease resistance.
Myth #6: All Tree Issues Are Visible from the Outside
The Truth:
Some of the most serious tree problems start below the surface. Root rot, girdling roots, or internal decay often go unnoticed—until the tree starts leaning or suddenly fails.
Regular checkups with a certified arborist can catch these hidden issues early, preventing:
- Emergency tree removal
- Damage to structures or landscaping
- Safety hazards for your family or guests
We recommend a professional tree health care assessment every 1–2 years, especially for large or high-value trees.
Myth #7: Any Landscaper Can Handle Tree Work
The Truth:
Tree care is a specialized field that requires training, safety protocols, and a deep understanding of tree biology. While landscapers are great at mowing lawns or planting flowers, they aren’t equipped to:
- Diagnose diseases or pests
- Safely perform high-risk trimming or tree removal
- Assess structural stability or perform cabling
- Provide professional stump grinding after a removal
That’s why hiring a company with ISA-certified arborists, like Kolcun Tree Care, makes a major difference in quality, safety, and long-term tree health.
How Kolcun Tree Care Can Help
Kolcun Tree Care has been a trusted name in professional tree care across the Lowcountry for over two decades. We’re a family-owned company built on integrity, experience, and a commitment to doing things the right way.
Our Services Include:
- Expert tree pruning and trimming
- Safe tree removal and emergency tree removal
- Tree fertilization and soil management
- Tree disease and pest diagnosis
- Stump grinding and full cleanup
- Year-round arborist services for residential and commercial properties
Whether you’re trying to preserve a beloved live oak or remove a declining pine, we’ll help you make the best choice for your landscape and your safety.
Tree Care Tips from Our Arborists
- Inspect trees seasonally: Look for leaf discoloration, bark damage, or early leaf drop
- Water during dry periods, especially for younger trees
- Avoid over-pruning: Never remove more than 25% of the canopy at once
- Fertilize in spring or fall, depending on species and stress level
- Call early: Don’t wait for limbs to fall before seeking help
Don’t Let Myths Compromise Your Trees
Well-intentioned mistakes can cost you time, money, and the health of your trees. With expert guidance from Kolcun Tree Care, you can protect your property’s value and ensure your trees thrive for years to come.
Submit an inquiry through our website or call us at (843) 757-8050 to schedule a consultation with one of our ISA-certified arborists.
Let’s grow a healthier landscape—together.
