1. “Top” tree to encourage watersprouts that weaken tree and encourage pests.

2. Leave co-dominant leaders to encourage “V” growth and splitting during winds and storms.

3. Leave crossing branches to rub protective bark and create wounds.

4. Ignore insect or disease damage.

5. Coat pruning cuts with paint or sealer to slow healing and promote pest problems.

6. Leave broken branches unpruned to encourage pests.

7. Spray unapproved herbicides or fertilizers over tree root area to weaken tree.

8. Damage roots and trunk with lawn equipment, weed eaters, roto tillers, landscaping, landscape edging, and sprinkler systems.

9. Rip through roots when digging trenches.

10. Plant close to house or obstacle to reduce adequate tree and root growing space.

11. Attach items to tree with wire or rope to damage bark and girdle branches.

12. Prune randomly to leave branch “stubs.”

13. Prune flush cuts to reduce wound closure.

14. Leave tree staked until guy wire girdles trunk.

15. Leave wrap on to constrict trunk growth and rot bark.

16. Pile up excessive mulch to encourage rodent damage and bark rot.

17. Put non-porous black plastic under mulch.

18. Stack clutter atop roots to cause soil compaction.

19. Leave ball roping on to girdle trunk.

20. Plant near downspout to assure excessive water or water frequently and lightly to encourage shallow root growth.

21. Leave wire basket in place to girdle roots.

22. Leave treated or synthetic burlap on to prevent root growth.

23. Dig hole too narrow and over amend backfill to discourage proper root spread.

24. Dig hole too deep or fill with gravel to collect water and drown roots.

25. Plant the tree too deep so the roots will smother and the root crown will rot.