Stem
Girdling Roots
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"Stem
girdling roots" is a disorder caused by abnormal growth
of tree roots in a circular pattern around a stem. As the roots
and stem grow, they begin to exert pressure on each other which
inhibits some normal tree functions. Stem girdling roots can
cause tree health to decline and potentially cause failure in
storms or high winds.
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Assessment
An
exploratory assessment is done by excavating the area near the
base of the tree using a high pressure air tool called an Air
Spade™, which removes soil without damaging tree roots.
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| This
assessment sets the course of future rejuvenation treatments,
assuming the tree's condition is not too far advanced. Treatments
such as fertilization, mulching, aeration, and irrigation are
then recommended based on site conditions and tree health. |
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Extraction
The
removal
of
problematic
roots |
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Commonly
affected species:
- Norway
maple
-
Red maple
- Linden
- Ash
Symptoms
include:
- Leaf
scorch
-
Abnormally stunted foliage and growth
- Thin
foliage
- A
lack of trunk flares (fencepost appearance)
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