Dear Editor:
As a member of a family of arborists I have learned to recognize the value of trees, tree care, proper tree pruning (pruning is injury therefore none is best) – and the impact trees have on climate due to our relationship with trees (and plants) – the carbon dioxide and oxygen exchange.
The dirty truth is that this relationship can only be supported with healthy soil. Healthy, garbage-free soil (reducing what goes into our landfills) not only filters and gives us clean, safe water and food, it supports healthy trees.
Now is a great time of year to feed and protect your tree and its supporting soil over the winter. As I travel around Wellington County I see mountains of mulch jammed up around tree trunks. This practice is well intended but unless we understand tree biology, we are setting the tree up for sickness and hardship, much like a fish slightly out of water.
The tree trunk processes nutrients up and down just inside its outer bark to the branches and the roots. Mulch or any material packed up around the base of the trunk inhibits the trunk’s work and also can create rot at the base of the tree. Think of the base of the tree as its heart and handle with care. Keep in mind that the roots of your tree are usually as big and as spread as your tree. Feed and protect those roots by piling the mulch away from the trunk, like a donut, and leave the base of the trunk open and free. Don’t compact the ground and don’t drive on the roots if you can help it. Don’t nick a tree’s heart with snow or lawn equipment.
Anything tied tight to your tree trunk can over time create pressure on the nutrient transfer. Loosen those blue ribbons if they are tight. Your tree will thank you for it!
There are many community resources to join for more education and questions, including:
– Reep Green Solutions – Kitchener (sharing ideas on waste reduction and much more);
– Green Legacy Program – Wellington County (focus on trees from seed, mass community plantings and education);
– Soil Health Coalition – Erin (focus on soil health education and soil quality testing);
– Centre Wellington Arborist Association (local arborists contacts for questions and concerns); and
– Neighbourwoods – Elora Environment Centre (focus on community tree protection and fundraising initiatives).
Nancy Morrison,
Guelph