Have you ever seen trees with roots that seem to twist and turn, like they’re tying themselves into knots? While it may look cool or even artistic, it’s often the sign of a struggling tree. Girdling tree roots can be difficult to fix, but not when you rely on expert tree services in Lewisboro, NY.
What’s the Problem With Girdled Roots?
Girdled tree roots are those that wrap around the trunk, whether under or above the ground.
This phenomenon usually results from poor soil conditions or improper planting and is common in urban development when construction plans fail to account for necessary root spread and spacing. Then, either the trees start to die off, seemingly without cause, or the sidewalks start buckling, with the roots pushing the hardscape out of the way.
Girdling strangles the tree slowly, reducing the waterflow and nutrient uptake. Although a tree can grow for a while with this condition, the bottlenecked supply can’t keep up with the high demand. The long-term effects of girdling roots hinder the tree’s growth, usually leading to death.
Symptoms of Root Strangulation
As mentioned, sometimes the girdled roots stay underneath the soil. Girdling also tends to affect the woody roots more while killing off feeder roots, further reducing nutrient intake. Aside from the telltale curling of the roots around the trunk of the tree, signs of root strangulation include:
- Thinning canopy
- Substantial dieback
- Tree leaning to one side
- Stunted shoot and branch damage
- Unseasonable flowering or fruiting
- Discolored leaves or wilting during the growth season
- One side of the trunk grows straight into the ground, lacking a natural flare
Any one of these signs could be a symptom of root strangulation caused by girdled tree roots. However, this doesn’t mean you cannot save the tree.
Correcting Girdled Tree Roots
While preventing tree root girdling works best, our tree health restoration tips can help you keep girdled trees alive. Remember that hiring an expert always increases the likelihood of success.
- Aerate: Uncover about four to six inches of space around the trunk and check the condition of the root flare. Remove soil and mulch to get a clear view of the roots.
- Cut away: Carefully remove smaller girdling roots with loppers or pruners. For larger roots over two inches in diameter, call an expert.
- Re-mulch: Do not cover the newly exposed roots with mulch, concrete, or other soft- or hardscape. Instead, create a donut shape around the tree and slope the mulch sides to direct water toward the plant. The exposed roots should form bark on their own.
Contact Frank’s Arborcare To Fix Girdling
Frank’s Arborcare staff can answer your tree maintenance questions accurately and quickly address your concerns. We’re your go-to tree care contractor in New York, from helping you manage tree diseases to clarifying what happens to tree roots after stump grinding.
If you notice girdling tree roots and need help with our root flare exposure techniques, call us at (203) 423-9523 today.
