Girdling Roots EXPOSED – Why are you choking your tree?
Girdling roots are a serious problem for our landscape trees and we predict they will be a major cause for tree decline in the next ten years. Girdling roots are roots that circle around the trunk of the tree, choking off the vascular system. This is somewhat similar to a pot bound house plant or container grown tree that has grown in the pot for too long. Girdling roots usually occur beneath the soil, so detection can be difficult. The problem is widely misdiagnosed, and many amateurs treat the symptoms rather than the real problem.
Symptoms of girdling roots are:
- No natural root flare.
- Basal decay.
- Crown decline- small leaves, premature leaf coloration, leaf drop, and branch dieback.
- Increased borer activity and other insect and disease problems.
Girdling roots are caused by:
- Improper planting- too deep, not preparing planting hole properly.
- Volcano mulching- roots grow into mulch piled around the trunk instead of the surrounding soil.
- Heavy clay soil, waterlogged soils.
- Improper watering- sprinkler systems.
Trees that have a high probability of girdling roots are: Norway Maples, Sugar Maples, Red Maples, Sweetgums, Lindens, and White Pines. If girdling roots are diagnosed early some relief is possible. The trunk can be excavated; girdling roots located, and cut off. Follow up is important, as they may reform; this is best done during the dormant season. Tree should be fertilized to help compensate for the loss of the root and to help speed up callousing.
We were very pleased with the service and particularly the knowledge & professionalism of your staff. We would certainly recommend you.
We are very pleased with the plantings suggested by and picked out by Mike. The men arrived on time to plant the boxwood and witch hazel tree; dug out the stump and cleaned up. They were pleasant and helpful – we couldn’t have asked for a better team.
We were very pleased and impressed with Dan and his team. We love our new trees and garden.
Thank you so much for all the information you provide – the watering information, the emails and the flier. I read it all and have learned so much. My magnolia trees look surprisingly healthy considering the way they looked when I first called.
Kevin Seger provided expert advice and recommendations about tree maintenance and removal. He listened to my needs and provided a thorough and affordable proposal. On the day of the job, I was very impressed with crew leader, Dave and his team (Felix & Adam). They were professional, efficient, hard-working and very neat about clean-up.
An outstanding job on the four trees and clean-up after the work and removal. We would be happy to recommend your services to everyone – the best tree service we ever have had here in St. Louis.
Kevin was able to come out the same day I called and a crew was out the next day! Great prompt service. I was not at home when the work was done but results show they did a fine job.
Everyone came through as usual when I needed the crew to come back & take out the balance of the fire blight. They did not have a bucket the first time and were so nice and professional about coming back again.
Thank you again for responding to our urgent need after the storm took down our 2 trees & deposited them across our driveway. Your crew, as always, did a fabulous job. Professional, courteous & it is a pleasure doing business with your company.
We appreciate your knowledge and professionalism. Your employees are prompt and courteous and willing to do whatever needs to be done to complete the project. Cleanup was great.
