One of the most disturbing things that can happen to your tree is root girdling, a condition that can make your tree look terrible and even kill it outright. Root crown excavation can help, but does your tree really need it? Find out in this guide from the top-rated tree service specialist in Sugar Land, TX.

What Is a Tree Root Collar?

Before we can talk about root collar excavation, we need to discuss your tree’s root collar. A root collar sounds like something you’d wrap around the tree, kind of like a dog collar, but it doesn’t involve anything like that at all.

Rather, the root collar is the area where the above-ground parts of the tree meet the below-ground parts. It sits above the soil line and is responsible for delivering water, oxygen, and nutrients to the rest of the tree.

Root Girdling: The Death of Many a Tree in Sugar Land

Normally, the root collar is exposed to air, as it must be to do its job properly. If the root collar gets covered up by soil, though, that soil can quite literally choke the life out of your tree. This is a slow death, and it’s not pretty. Here’s what to watch for:

1. The collar starts to rot below the soil line, and fungus may slowly creep up the tree’s trunk.
2. The roots will girdle below the soil, wrapping themselves tightly around the tree’s trunk and making it impossible for it to take in oxygen and water.
3. Fibrous roots grow above the crown and steal much-needed water from the tree.
4. The tree, in its weakened state, will attract pests and may become diseased. Branches may fall, and the tree will probably shed its leaves.
5. Eventually, the tree dies and decays. At this point, there’s no saving it.

What’s Root Collar Excavation?

Root collar excavation, not to be confused with the horrors of a root canal, can bring root-girdled trees back from the brink of death. It involves:

• Root health check: An arborist will perform a root inspection to check the health of the roots.
• Air spading: The arborist removes a plug of soil, then inserts a special tool into the hole and forces air through it. This will break up hard soil without further hurting roots.
• Girdling root exposure and soil removal: The arborist will carefully remove the loosened soil, allowing the tree’s roots to receive oxygen and water again.

When Do Trees Need Root Crown Excavation?

Call for root crown excavation if you notice:

• Roots growing above ground
• Soil that’s higher than the bottom of the trunk
• Compacted soil around the tree’s trunk
• Declining tree health despite proper care

Get Your Tree Health Assessment Today

Girdled roots don’t have to be a death sentence for your beloved tree. With root crown excavation, we may be able to help the tree make a full recovery. To schedule root collar excavation from Meadows Tree Service, contact us at (832) 692-4931.