Tree Care Truths: What Homeowners Get Wrong

Pruning is one of the most important aspects of tree care—and when done correctly, it can make the difference between a thriving, beautiful tree and one that struggles to survive. At JM Tree Service Douglasville , we believe smart pruning isn’t just about shaping trees for aesthetics—it’s about promoting long-term strength, health, and safety. In this article, we’ll explore proven tree pruning techniques that encourage healthy growth, prevent disease, and keep your landscape looking its best all year long. Why Pruning Matters Tree pruning serves several essential purposes: Encourages healthy structure: Removing weak or competing branches helps trees develop a strong, balanced framework. Prevents disease and decay: Cutting away dead or diseased limbs stops infections from spreading. Improves sunlight and air circulation: Thinning crowded areas lets in more light, boosting overall tree health. Reduces storm damage risks: Strategic pruning helps trees withstand strong winds and heavy rain common in Douglasville, GA . Regular pruning also enhances curb appeal—making your yard safer, cleaner, and more attractive. Timing Is Everything Knowing when to prune is just as important as knowing how . Winter or early spring is generally the best time to prune most trees, while they’re dormant and less likely to experience stress. Summer pruning can be used for minor shaping or removing problem branches. Avoid pruning in late fall , as cuts may not heal properly before cold weather sets in. At JM Tree Service Douglasville, our certified arborists assess each tree’s species and condition to determine the ideal pruning schedule for optimal results. Smart Pruning Techniques Here are a few professional methods our team uses to promote stronger, healthier trees: 1. Crown Thinning Selective removal of smaller branches reduces density, improving airflow and light penetration. This helps prevent fungus and encourages healthy inner growth. 2. Crown Raising We remove lower branches to provide clearance for walkways, vehicles, and structures—improving safety and aesthetics without harming the tree’s balance. 3. Crown Reduction When a tree grows too large for its space, careful reduction can maintain its natural shape while minimizing stress on major limbs. 4. Deadwood Removal Dead or dying limbs not only detract from a tree’s beauty but can also pose safety risks. Removing them early prevents decay from spreading to healthy areas. 5. Proper Cutting Technique Every cut matters. Our experts make precise cuts at the branch collar to promote fast, healthy healing and avoid unnecessary damage. Common Pruning Mistakes to Avoid Even well-meaning homeowners can make pruning errors that harm their trees: Topping: Cutting the top off a tree severely weakens it. Over-pruning: Removing too many branches at once stresses the tree. Improper cuts: Cutting too close or too far from the branch collar slows healing and invites pests. If you’re unsure where to begin, it’s always best to call a professional tree service in Douglasville for expert help. Trust JM Tree Service Douglasville for Expert Tree Pruning Smart pruning requires skill, precision, and a deep understanding of tree biology. At JM Tree Service Douglasville , we use professional techniques and equipment to ensure your trees stay strong, healthy, and beautiful—season after season. Whether you need routine maintenance, storm damage cleanup, or complete tree care, our team is here to help. Contact JM Tree Service Douglasville today for a free estimate and discover how professional pruning can transform your landscape. Contact Us: JM Tree Service Douglasville Douglasville, Georgia 770-343-4094 https://www.tree-service-douglasville.com/

Give Your Trees the Care They Deserve Mulching is one of the simplest and most effective ways to protect and nourish your trees. When done correctly, it helps retain soil moisture, regulate temperature, and prevent weeds. However, many homeowners make mulching mistakes that can do more harm than good. To help your trees stay strong and healthy, here’s a guide from JM Tree Service Douglasville on how to avoid the most common mulching errors. 1. Avoid the “Mulch Volcano” One of the biggest mistakes people make is piling mulch high around the tree trunk — often called a “mulch volcano.” While it may look neat, this thick layer can suffocate roots, trap excess moisture, and invite decay or pests. The right way: Spread mulch in a flat, even layer about 2 to 4 inches thick . Keep it a few inches away from the trunk , leaving the root flare (where the trunk meets the soil) exposed. 2. Don’t Overdo the Depth More mulch doesn’t mean more protection. Thick layers block oxygen from reaching the soil, causing roots to grow upward in search of air. This can weaken your tree’s stability and health over time. The right way: A few inches is enough — never exceed 4 inches . Refresh the mulch as needed rather than continuously adding more on top. 3. Skip Mulching Against the Trunk Mulch that touches the trunk creates a moist environment that encourages fungi, insects, and rot. It can also lead to bark damage, making the tree more susceptible to disease. The right way: Keep a 3- to 6-inch mulch-free zone around the base of the trunk to allow air circulation and prevent decay. 4. Use Quality Organic Mulch Not all mulch is created equal. Poor-quality mulch or materials that contain dyes, chemicals, or debris can harm the soil and roots. The right way: Choose natural, organic mulch like wood chips, bark, or compost. These materials decompose over time, enriching the soil with nutrients. 5. Don’t Forget to Maintain It Mulch isn’t a “set it and forget it” job. Over time, it breaks down and can compact, preventing water and air from reaching the roots. The right way: Fluff or turn your mulch once or twice a year to loosen compacted areas. Add a thin fresh layer if needed, but always check depth before adding more. 6. Avoid Mulching Wet Soil Applying mulch on waterlogged or saturated soil traps moisture and suffocates roots, leading to root rot. The right way: Always wait until the soil is moist but not soaked before spreading mulch. This ensures proper drainage and oxygen flow. 7. Keep Mulch in the Right Area Mulching too far beyond the tree’s drip line wastes material and can affect surrounding plants. The right way: Extend mulch just past the drip line (outer edge of the canopy) to protect the entire root zone efficiently. Protect Your Trees with Professional Care Mulching may seem like a simple task, but doing it correctly makes a huge difference in your tree’s long-term health. If you’re unsure about the right mulch type or technique, JM Tree Service Douglasville is here to help. Our certified arborists provide expert tree care, from proper mulching and pruning to disease prevention and storm damage cleanup. Call JM Tree Service Douglasville Today! Keep your trees thriving year-round with professional care and guidance. 📞 Contact JM Tree Service Douglasville for expert tree maintenance and mulching services that protect your landscape — the right way. Contact Us: JM Tree Service Douglasville Douglasville, Georgia 770-343-4094 https://www.tree-service-douglasville.com/