"Girdling is another way to kill a tree, and often this is done inadvertently. Remove tree stakes and supports once the tree is stable. Trunk wraps should not be left in place for extended periods of time. If the wraps were there to protect against sunburn, consider instead painting the exposed trunk with dilute white latex paint (1 part paint to 1 part water). Don't allow vines to wind around the trunk. Although it may look attractive, they can girdle the tree."
"Incorrect pruning, particularly "topping," is the surest way to ruin a tree. If it doesn't kill the tree outright, it will result in extremely dense growth at the ends of the chopped-off branches. This makes the tree top-heavy and unstable, resulting in catastrophic breakage. Never, ever, top a tree! Allowing the tree to grow two or more codominant leader branches with a narrow crotch angle produces an unstable overall structure as well."
Improper pruning such as topping creates dense, weak regrowth, making trees top-heavy, unstable and prone to catastrophic breakage. Allowing codominant leaders with narrow crotch angles produces an unstable structure and potential splitting; young trees should be pruned for open branching. Ignored broken, crossing, or rubbing branches invite insect infestation; avoid sealants that hinder healing. Girdling from stakes, wraps, vines, or string trimmers starves trees and opens wounds for pests and disease. Avoid impermeable weed barriers and mulch against trunks; organic mulch is acceptable but should not touch the trunk. Deep, preemptive watering prevents heat stress during hot weather.
Read at The Mercury News
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