Girdling roots are roots that wrap around the trunk of the tree just below the soil surface. If unnoticed or uncorrected, they will strangle the tree to the point of death.
Causes of Girdling Roots
- Planting a tree in a hole too small, causing the roots to circle
- Planting too deeply
- The tree was grown in a container for too long and has become “pot-bound.”
- Piling mulch against the trunk of the tree (volcano mulch)
Volcano mulching. Mulch should be kept away from the trunk of the tree and placed no deeper than 2-4 inches. - Planting in very compacted soils
- Failure to remove the wire cage and burlap on balled and burlapped trees.
Symptoms of girdling roots
- Early fall color
Tree with early fall coloration due to girdling roots. - Late leaf onset
- Small leaf size
- Damage or death to a few branches
- Abnormal root flares
- Chlorosis
- Trunk indentation or flattening near the soil
Treatment
Prevention is the best treatment for girdling roots.
- Mulch appropriately
- Plant trees at the proper depth
- Root-bound trees should have their roots pruned, or if pruning will not correct the problem, do not plant
- Ensure the hole is wide enough (in very compact soils, the hole should be at least 2 to 3 times the width of the root ball at the soil surface)
If girdling roots occur, Wellnitz Tree Care can expose them with an AirSpade and properly prune them away from the tree. If girdling roots are severe enough that they cannot be corrected without causing significant damage to the tree, the tree’s stability is compromised and should be removed.
If you have concerns about a tree, contact us. We would be happy to come take a look.
For more information, check out these websites.
