Girdling Roots

Characteristics

A girdling root is a root that constricts the base of a tree. Girdling roots may grow in a circular or spiral pattern at or below the soil line, and gradually strangling the trunk of a tree. Planting trees too deep, over-mulching around the base of the root flare, and compacted soil encourage the development of girdling roots.

Girdling roots weaken tree root systems, making them unable to supply adequate water or nutrients to leaves. Trees with girdling roots tend to show signs and symptoms of stress, and decline over a period of time.

Signs & Symptoms

Without a trained eye, it can be difficult to spot a girdling root on a tree. Affected trees will often have little to no visible ‘root flare’, or a flat section on the trunk of the tree near the ground.

Trees with girdling roots may include have slow growth, shrunken leaf size, premature autumn colour, branch dieback, abnormal root flare, and a reduction in sap flow. Girdling roots make the tree more susceptible to insects, disease, and environmental stress. A tree with girdling roots can be unstable, potentially failing where the girdling root is constricting the stem of the tree.

Treatment & Recommendations

Prevention and early detection can reduce girdling root problems. Proper planting and mulching techniques can inhibit girdling roots. When trees are young the best way to stop and prevent girdling roots is to prune them out.

Using an air spade is the best way to prune a girdling root. Young trees with root issues can benefit immensely from air spading applications.

Contact our office for a qualified arborist to inspect your tree for girdling roots and provide you with information on the benefits of air spading.