Root Collar Work

One of the saddest things we see is a tree that grows along looking happy and healthy, and then its condition begins to decline because it is choking itself to death. Literally. 

When roots are growing and small, they grow where they can. Roots should grow away from the trunk, like crooked spokes radiating away from a hub. When held in a pot too long, or planted in compacted soil, some roots will grow across the trunk and the tops of the root buttresses. Over time they get thicker, but where they lay relative to the trunk doesn’t change. The trunk gets thicker, too. Roots and trunk come into slow contact, leading to the root pinching the trunk and preventing that part from getting thicker. Slowly, the vascular tissues in the trunk are crushed. Arborists call these “stem girdling roots”.

When we diagnose tree distress, we always look for root issue, especially stem girdling roots. This may involve carefully excavating the soil all around the trunk with compressed air. This dusty work reveals what the soil had hidden, allowing us to assess the root collar. When caught early, these stranglers can be removed with careful saw and wood chisel work. The pinched stem won’t just un-pinch, but new growth over a few years can fill it back in nicely. The tree may suffer initially, having lost some of its water uptake; it will have brighter future, however.

If you’re worried about your trees’ health, give Legacy Tree Company a call!

Contact us to find out why we are considered the best tree service in Albuquerque.