Busting Forestry Myths
There are topics within forestry that often get asked about by community members. These include common misconceptions and questions related to prescribed burns, fire preparedness, and proper tree care. The information on this page seeks to provide public resources regarding these issues so that they can be more widely understood. Do you believe in any of the common myths listed below? Check them out, and test your knowledge!
Prescribed Burn Myths
Myth: Prescribed burns unnecessarily damage healthy forests and remove trees from ecosystems where they naturally belong.
Busted: Prescribed burns increase the longevity and sustainability of a healthy forest ecosystem. The goal of a prescribed burn is not to burn trees and native plants aimlessly, but to ensure that future forest fires do not demolish the ecosystem completely. They are methodical in their approach and studies have shown that they are successful in reducing the risk of catastrophic forest fire and in creating resilient landscapes.
Myth: The more trees the better; having an abundance of trees and vegetation in a forest indicates that it is a healthy thriving forest. We should not disrupt a forest’s natural growth and decrease the number of trees within it.
Busted: Natural fire has always played a crucial role in managing a healthy forest environment. Historically in the west, natural fires such as those ignited by lightning would burn away areas, making way for new plant life to grow. Many tribes and indigenous communities would use fire to manage the lands they resided on over set intervals of time. Just because a forest is overgrown with thick understory brush and trees does not indicate that it is healthy. Forests that exist today in the Sierra Nevada for instance, are commonly overstocked with hazardous fuel, leaving them at greater risk for an intense, and extreme fire. This is because fire suppression has occurred in these areas for so long.
Myth: The smoke emitted by prescribed burns is unhealthy and causes air pollution that would otherwise not exist. Prescribed burns are causing more harm than benefit. Plus, they ruin my view!
Busted: Professionals work strategically with the forecasted weather and wind patterns to ensure that the best case scenario is achieved when executing a prescribed burn. The smoke created by a prescribed burn is much less in comparison to the amount that a massive forest fire would produce. Structures have a less likely chance of burning in areas that are treated with prescribed burns, which is good news for homeowners.
Myth: The forest fires that occur today are comparable to historical fires that burnt in the same areas.
Busted: Due to the effects of climate change, the forest fires that have been increasing in recent times, are much hotter and more intense than they were historically. This is due to overgrown forest ecosystems providing excessive amounts of fuel to these fires, making their impacts more devastating. Drought and weather changes also cause trees to become dry and unhealthy as well as more susceptible to beetle infestations, which further disease and kill trees, leaving them as fire fuel unless properly removed.
WUI/Fire Preparedness Myths
Myth: Forest fires will occur regardless of my actions to protect my property. In the chance that my home will be negatively affected by wildfire, I have no control in that situation.
Busted: While fires are unpredictable, there are a growing number of steps that can be taken to protect your property and manage your space defensively. This is especially true in WUI areas (wild urban interfaces). Steps taken include removing hazardous fuel like leaves and dead plant matter, removing invasive species like flammable cheatgrass, and managing the vegetation closest to your property. Learn more about WUI areas and community fire prevention here.
Tree Care Myths
Myth: Trees require more water than grass and shrubs. I am going to keep my lawn and not consider planting trees in my yard because of their excessive water requirements which are unfit for a state like Nevada.
Busted: On average, trees require less water than grass lawns by up to 50%. These planting guides identify tree species that are drought tolerant (require minimal water) in southern Nevada, and identify suitable tree species for northern Nevada. Not to mention, trees provide countless additional benefits such as cooler temperatures from shade coverage, diminished carbon emissions, and filtration of air pollutants.
Myth: The most effective way to water a tree is directly at the base of the tree.
Busted: Tree’s roots extend much further and deeper than you might expect. To effectively water a tree, you need to both water it at the proper radius and for a substantial amount of time so that water penetrates the surface and can be absorbed substantially by the tree’s root system. Refer to this irrigation handbook for tips on just how big of a radius to water your tree and for how long.
Myth: Trees require the same amount of water year round.
Busted: Trees vary in their water requirements based on their size, species, age, and the current climate conditions in your area. This irrigation handbook contains useful information to guide you through how much water your tree needs and when.
Myth: My tree’s branches are brown and it appears to be dying. There is nothing that I can do to prevent this.
Busted: There are many different diseases that affect both coniferous and deciduous tree species including bark beetles, fungus infections, and other harmful pests. If your tree is exhibiting signs of distress, it is important that you know some of the most common tree pests or diseases to look out for. Being aware of the most common threats in your area and to that particular tree species can help you properly identify it faster, and thus save your tree.