Stem Girdling Roots: What They Are & Why Root Remediation Matters
Have you noticed dead or dying branches, thinning leaves, a declining canopy, or sections of your tree that just don't seem as healthy as they used to? While these symptoms can have several different causes, they may be signs that something is happening with the tree's root system - including the presence of stem girdling roots.
When evaluating a tree, our team looks at the whole picture. That includes the health and appearance of the canopy, the trunk, the base of the tree, and the root flare. What we're seeing above ground can often give us clues that we need to investigate what's happening below the soil.
Stem girdling roots are one issue we may find during that investigation. These roots can grow across or around the base of the trunk rather than extending naturally outward. As the tree and roots continue to grow, the girdling roots can begin pressing against the trunk and interfere with the tree's normal development.
That's where stem girdling root remediation may come in.
What Are Stem Girdling Roots?
Healthy tree roots generally grow outward from the trunk, creating a strong root system that helps anchor the tree and move water and nutrients throughout it.
A stem girdling root grows or around the base of the trunk rather than extending outward normally. As both the root and trunk increase in diameter, they can begin pressing against one another.
Over time, this pressure can interfere with the tree's normal growth and vascular function. Depending on the severity and location of the roots, girdling can contribute to canopy decline, branch dieback, reduced growth, stress, structural concerns, and other health problems.
Why Do Stem Girdling Roots Develop?
There isn't always one single cause. Girdling roots may be associated with several factors, including:
Trees being planted too deeply
Excess soil or mulch around the base of the trunk
Improper planting practices
Roots developing abnormally while a tree is growing in a container
Limited or compacted growing space
Root systems that were already circling before the tree was planted
One thing our team pays close attention to is the root flare - the area where the trunk naturally widens and transitions into the major roots. Ideally, this flare should be visible near the soil surface.
If a tree appears to go straight into the ground without a noticeable flare, it may indicate that the tree was planted too deeply or that excess soil has accumulated around the trunk. That doesn't automatically mean the tree has girdling roots, but it can be a reason to investigate further.
How Do We Perform Stem Girdling Root Remediation?
Root remediation is a careful process. The goal isn't simply to dig around the tree and start cutting roots. Removing the wrong root - or too much of the root system at once - can create additional stress or affect the tree's stability.
The process typically begins by carefully exposing the root flare and upper root system. Depending on the situation, specialized tools and techniques such as air excavation may be used to remove soil from around the roots while minimizing unnecessary damage.
Once the root system is exposed, our team can get a much clearer picture of what is actually happening below the soil.
We look for roots that are circling, crossing, pressing against the trunk, or otherwise interfering with healthy root development. From there, we determine which problematic roots, if any, can safely be addressed.
When removal is appropriate, selected girdling roots are carefully cut and removed while preserving as much of the tree's healthy root system as possible. The area can then be properly finished to help create better growing conditions around the tree's root flare.
Why Address Stem Girdling Roots?
Trees grow slowly, which means root problems can also develop slowly. A tree with girdling roots may appear relatively healthy for years before noticeable symptoms begin appearing in the canopy.
As the trunk and roots continue increasing in size, the pressure caused by a girdling root can become more significant. In some cases, addressing problematic roots can help reduce this pressure and improve the tree's growing conditions.
It's also important to remember that every tree is different. Not every crossing or circling root should automatically be removed. The tree's species, age, condition, root structure, severity of girdling, and overall health all need to be considered before remediation is performed.
Your Tree's Canopy Can Tell a Story
Dead branches, thinning foliage, reduced growth, or a declining canopy are your tree's way of telling you that something may be wrong - but determining why requires looking at more than just one part of the tree.
At Your Personal Gardener & Arborist, we evaluate the trees as a whole to help identify what may be contributing to its decline. Sometimes the problem is above ground. Other times, the answer is hiding beneath the soil.
If you're noticing changes in one of your trees, our team can take a closer look and determine whether stem girdling roots or another tree health issue may be contributing.
Contact YPGA to schedule a tree consultation and help us get to the root of the problem (get it it?? hehe)
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