It is so easy to find tree crimes on any given day in New Jersey. Here are just a few that we have come across over the years. It is unfortunate that we have so many landscapers that do not take the time to learn the proper way to plant, mulch and maintain our community forest. We hope that will continue to change with NJ’s licensing bill that requires tree care companies to have a Licensed Tree Expert on staff, follow ANSI guidelines, and continue to learn the proper techniques for tree care.
Tree Crime: Wire basket not removed at planting.
Why it’s bad: The wire basket is for transporting the tree, not to make a planters job easier. It never decomposes.
How to fix it: Use bolt cutters to remove as much of the wire as possible. Always remove the the wire basket before planting a tree.
Tree crime: Tree is planted too high.
Why it’s bad: The root ball is barely in the ground; roots will quickly dry out; water & mulch will run off; it looks ridiculous.
How to fix it: If possible, re-plant the tree properly.
Tree crime: Tree is planted too deep. Wire basket and burlap are still on the rootball.
Why it’s bad: Really? You need to ask this?
How to fix it: If possible and discovered soon after planting, dig up and re-plant the tree. Should be easy since the basket is still on the rootball. Get plenty of friends to help – this will be back-breaking work. Plant it correctly the first time! Give the tree plenty of TLC post planting.
Tree crime: Tree guard not removed.
Why it’s bad: The tree will grow around anything in it’s path, causing weak points in the tree. This is a future chainsaw accident waiting to happen.
How to fix it: In this case, remove the tree and start over. If you do not have the time to remove tree guards, do not use them.
Tree crime: Ignoring a leaning tree.
Why it’s bad: This is a hazard to pedestrians. Allowing trees to lean and not fixing or removing them gives the public the impression this is OK.
How to fix it: In this case, remove the tree and plant a new one. Learn from this lesson – stake leaning trees the moment they are noticed.
Tree crime: Improper mulching
Why it’s bad: Covering the trunk of a tree with mulch prevents oxygen from getting to the roots. It also traps moisture around the tree trunk, creating an ideal environment for bacteria
How to fix it: Be sure to pull mulch back several inches from the base of the tree – you should be able to see the root flare! And keep mulch thickness to no more than 3 inches.
Tree crime: Root girdling
Why it’s bad: Girdling roots will continue wrapping around the tree, essentially ‘choking’ the tree and cutting it off from underground roots. Girdled trees are at a higher risk of dieback and falling.
How to fix it: When planting a container tree, be sure to cut all roots wrapping around the root ball. Small girdling roots on young trees may be cut with pruners. For mature trees, such as the one above, call a licensed arborist as cutting roots may do too much damage.