Why is a buried root collar so bad for your tree? If you don’t know, we’re here to find out. A covered root collar is just mulch and dirt piled around the base of the tree trunk. And if it’s left that way for too long, it can suffocate the base of the tree trunk due to water saturation, harming its cells.
And when tree cells become damaged, they can’t move food, exchange gas, and perform other vital functions.
In this blog, we’ve discussed the importance of root cellar excavation and how it can help your plant thrive. Here’s what you need to know:
How Do You Know You Need Root Collar Excavation?
You can call your local tree care services or arborist to conduct a root collar excavation. During the procedure, your arborist will inspect the tree for girdling roots and signs of decay. If they spot any girdling roots, they must be teased apart, pruned, and repositioned. You can also apply nutrients to the roots and soil so they can absorb faster by your tree.
Ideally, your tree should not stick out of the ground like a pole. It should flare out at the base instead as it reaches the soil.
What Are Signs Of Root Decay Or Prolonged Moisture Damage?
A root collar excavation protects your tree from prolonged moisture damage. If you’re concerned that you’ve piled on too much soil and mulch near the base, here are some moisture damage signs you can watch out for:
- The tree trunk is visibly warped in places.
- Insect infestation and disease have begun to set in.
- Gas exchanges in the tree have become difficult, and the tree shows signs of stress, like discolored leaves.
- It has decomposed the bark and stressed the tree.
- Tree roots have started to grow above the ground and have wrapped themselves around the tree trunk, also known as girdling.
Girdling roots cause the tree to strangle itself because they wrap around the trunk instead of growing in the soil and absorbing nutrients and water from the ground. Consequently, the tree suffocates itself.
What Happens If I Don’t Excavate The Root Collar?
Your tree will begin to die.
Root girdling will be one of the first signs. After that, a fungus may affect the tree trunk and prevent the nutrients from traveling through the tree. Next, fibrous roots will grow outward from the crown girdle and steal water from the primary root system. Your tree will become dehydrated and weak from nutrient depletion. And slowly, your tree branches will begin to fall out, causing your tree to collapse.
Save Your Tree With Quality Tree Care Services
Are you looking for a professional tree care company in Scottsdale? Tree Pros have got you covered. We provide emergency tree removal, tree trimming, stump grinding, and other quality tree services.
Get in touch with us today to get a quote for tree collar excavation services.
