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Improper and Damaging Gardening Practices

This poor crabapple (Malus) does not stand a chance. Not only was it topped in spring, but a volcano of mulch was piled against the trunk. It has put out no leaves from spring through September and is doomed to early death.

Far too many well established garden practices are not sound practices and can indeed harm the plants they are intended to benefit. Following are images of a number of these harmful gardening practices. A brief explanation is included in the image’s caption. Some of these practices have a long-established tradition, such as tying up the leaves of daffodils. This reduces leaf surface available for photosynthesis and will reduce next year’s flowering. Leave the leaves as nature intended and remove only after they yellow and die naturally. Another far too common practice is referred to as “volcano mulch” when mulch is piled high around the base of a tree. This practice can lead to insect, disease, or animal damage (such as mice) at the collar of the tree (the part of the trunk just above ground level). Keep this area dry and free of mulch. Practice “donut mulching” instead, where the trunk of the tree is in the “donut-hole” and the mulch tapers down to nothing at the collar of the tree. A depth of 2-4 inches of mulch in the area away from the tree collar is sufficient. See also girdling roots, which can be a result of too thick a layer of mulch.
Images: Click on image to enlarge or on underlined captions for more information.

Tying up bulb foliage, as in the case of this daffodil (Narcissus), reduces the amount of sunlight striking the leaves, which reduces the amount of energy stored in the bulb, which reduces or eliminates next year's blooms
High resolution image available.

Mulch volcanos can kill trees. Here, the mulch combined with the landscape fabric provides a perfect home for a fungal rot to enter the crown of the tree and eventually kill it.
High resolution image available.

A mulch volcano was removed from around this cherry tree (Prunus) revealing a multitude of problems that it causel for example, a girdling root, surface roots and gummosis. Mulch should never touch the trunk of a tree.
High resolution image available.

Never top trees. It is a practice that weakens and eventually kills trees.
High resolution image available.

Topping any tree is a terrible practice, but topping a redbud (Cercis) before it blooms adds insult to injury.
High resolution image available.

Crowding tomatoes (Lycopersicon) can encourage leaf diseases. Plant tomatoes 3-4' apart in each direction.
High resolution image available.

Some plants should not planted in the St. Louis area, and Bradford pears (Pyrus) are an example. The narrow crotch angles of their limb structure cause their limbs to push each other part, eventually leading to splitting.
High resolution image available.

Sycamores (Platanus) are nice trees but they are too tall to be planted beneath power lines. Choose plants based on their mature size.
High resolution image available.

Most people plant redbuds (Cercis) for their spring flowers. This one was topped before it had a chance to bloom, removing the flower buds. Note: typical redbud in full bloom in background.
High resolution image available.

When boxwoods are pruned too late in the season, the new growth does not have time to harden off before winter, resulting in dieback
High resolution image available.

When boxwoods are pruned too late in the season, the new growth does not have time to harden off before winter, resulting in dieback; note, that old growth underneath is undamaged
High resolution image available.

This maple (Acer) appears to have been planted too deep which could account for the bark popping off.
High resolution image available.

Too much mulch can prevent water from reaching the roots of a plant while mulch piled against the trunk of a tree can lead to girdling roots. Both conditions will reduce the vigor of the plant and can lead to death.
High resolution image available.

Close-up of mulch volcano, a practice to avoid.
High resolution image available.

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