Tag Archives: Soil Compaction


Notice: Undefined variable: page in /home/vrxdg1855sn3/public_html/wp-content/themes/72tree/content.php on line 15

Notice: Trying to get property 'ID' of non-object in /home/vrxdg1855sn3/public_html/wp-content/themes/72tree/content.php on line 15

Understanding and Treating Damaged Tree Roots

Trees adorn our beautiful landscapes but also provide humans with needed oxygen. But did you know that the health of a tree greatly depends on the well-being of its roots? Tree roots not only anchor the tree to the earth, but they also absorb the nutrients and water that the tree needs to flourish. Just like physicians diagnose our health by looking for symptoms, we can identify the state of tree health by observing the signs of root damage.

Just as a doctor treats illnesses with the right diagnosis and treatment, so can we nurse back our trees to health. This blog will guide you in understanding the signs of damaged tree roots, the causes, and how to treat them effectively. It will also help you learn how to strengthen the root system of your trees and when to consider tree removal.

Short Summary

• Identify signs of root damage to effectively care for trees.
• Causes of tree root damage include construction activities, pest and disease infestations, and soil compaction.
• Watering, soil aeration, and strengthening the root system promote healthy growth and help combat damaged tree roots.
• Professional arborists can advise on caring for damaged roots and assessing tree stability.

Identifying Damaged Tree Roots

tree with visible roots and trunk

Imagine walking through a park and noticing a tree with yellowing leaves or a tree with visible surface roots; these are not just anomalies of nature but red flags signaling a distressed tree. These signs, including wilting, stunted growth, and soil compaction, are the tree’s SOS calls for help. Identifying these symptoms early is crucial to protecting tree roots and maintaining the tree’s overall health.

The roots are the tree’s lifeline. They supply nutrition and water, store food, synthesize hormones, and provide structural support. So, if the roots are damaged, it can adversely affect the tree’s overall health and stability. It’s like a ship without an anchor, adrift and vulnerable. Therefore, it’s essential to understand and identify the signs of root damage for effective tree care.

Signs of Root Damage

Root damage can be subtle at first glance. It’s like a thief in the night, quietly disrupting the tree-system functions. The first signs of root damage often show up in the tree’s canopy. Wilting, yellowing, stunted growth, or even visible surface roots are all potential indications of root damage. It’s like a tree’s cry for help, signaling that all is not well beneath the surface.

Diseases such as root rot can also indicate root damage. Root rot is a fungal infection that infiltrates roots and gradually spreads throughout the root system until mushrooms and conks emerge along the roots and around the base of a tree affected by the disease. Think of it as a cold that has escalated into pneumonia, affecting the tree’s overall health.

Other symptoms, such as crown dieback, branch dieback, and leaf scorch, can also indicate root damage.

Surface Roots and Soil Compaction

Have you ever seen the roots of a tree creeping out on the soil surface? These surface roots are a common occurrence as trees age. It’s like seeing the veins on an older person’s hand, a sign of aging. However, the appearance of surface roots could also signal soil compaction, a condition that can lead to root damage. By addressing the issue of soil compaction and nurturing the existing roots, you can help prevent further damage to the tree.

Soil compaction is the equivalent of a traffic jam in the soil, with soil particles pressed together, resulting in a denser structure that restricts the flow of water, air, and nutrients to tree roots. This can impede root growth and cause physical damage, just as a traffic jam could lead to car accidents and delays.

Causes of Tree Root Damage

a tree with visible roots and signs of root damage

Now that we know the signs of root damage let’s delve into the usual suspects causing it. The most prevalent causes of tree root damage include construction-induced damage, pest and disease infestations, and soil compaction. It’s like a crime scene investigation, where understanding the cause can lead to effective prevention and treatment.

Imagine building a house on a plot filled with trees. Construction activities like excavation, grading, and paving can cause significant damage to the roots. It’s like trying to build a house in a crowded city without disturbing the people.

Similarly, pest and disease infestations are like uninvited guests that harm the roots and compromise the tree’s health. Finally, soil compaction, as mentioned before, is like a roadblock preventing the smooth flow of nutrients to the roots.

Construction-Related Damage

Trees and construction sites often don’t mix well. The hustle and bustle of construction activities like excavation, grading, and trenching can cause significant physical injuries to the tree roots, branches, and trunks. Think of it as trying to perform a ballet in the middle of a boxing ring; the delicate roots don’t stand a chance against the heavy machinery.

Heavy machinery and foot traffic can lead to soil compaction, which reduces the soil’s permeability, affecting the roots’ access to oxygen and water. In addition, construction activities can result in severed roots, which can cause instability in the tree and decrease its overall health. It’s like a tree trying to survive with its lifelines cut off, struggling to stand tall.

Pest and Disease Issues

Pests and diseases are the silent enemies of trees. From root rot to fungal infections, these culprits can infiltrate the roots and wreak havoc. It’s like a silent invasion that weakens the tree from within. Infected trees may show signs of discolored leaves, wilting, and stunted growth, signaling a desperate need for help.

disease infected tree

Just as a doctor prescribes medicine to treat an illness, these tree ailments also need specific treatments. Depending on the type of pest or disease, treatments may range from chemical solutions to removing the affected roots or improving soil drainage. Additionally, preventative measures such as proper watering, mulching, and avoiding over-fertilization can help safeguard the roots from pests and tree diseases. The best defense is often a strong offense, after all.

Caring for Trees with Damaged Roots

Treating a tree with damaged roots is akin to nursing a sick patient back to health. It requires a combination of proper watering techniques, soil aeration, and nutrient management to protect tree roots. Each of these strategies is like a piece in a puzzle that, when put together, can help restore the tree’s health.

Just as a patient needs medication and rest to recover, trees with damaged roots need adequate watering to absorb essential nutrients from the soil and recover. The soil around the tree’s roots serves as a lifeline, supplying it with the required nutrients and keeping trees healthy. It’s like a hospital bed for a patient, providing a safe and conducive environment for recovery.

Watering Techniques

a tree with visible roots and trunk being watered

Water is the elixir of life for trees. Proper watering can help trees with damaged roots recover by facilitating the absorption of nutrients from the soil. However, overwatering can lead to root rot and increase the risk of the tree falling due to the decreased anchoring of roots in saturated soil. It’s like overfeeding a patient; while the intention is to nourish, it could end up causing more harm than good.

Determining whether a tree needs watering can be a bit tricky. One method is to use a screwdriver to test the soil’s dryness. If the screwdriver comes out dry, then the tree likely requires watering. It’s like checking a patient’s temperature, a simple yet effective way to gauge the tree’s hydration needs.

Soil Aeration and Nutrient Management

Healthy soil is the foundation of healthy trees. Soil aeration and nutrient management are vital in improving the health of damaged roots. A well-aerated soil enables better access to water, air, and nutrients for the tree roots, thereby promoting their health. It’s like ensuring a patient has clean and fresh air to breathe and nutritious food to eat.

Techniques like root pruning can help minimize root disturbances and contain diseases, thus avoiding their spread to other parts of the tree. It’s like a surgical procedure, removing the affected parts to save the whole.

Moreover, using tools that use compressed air to loosen soil can significantly improve soil aeration. It’s like a breath of fresh air for the roots, helping them to breathe and absorb nutrients effectively.

Strengthening Your Tree’s Root System

a tree with visible roots and trunk with improved soil aeration

Just as a weak foundation can compromise a building’s stability, a weak root system can affect a tree’s health and stability. Strengthening a tree’s root system encourages root growth and supports the tree trunk and canopy. These strategies are like the building blocks, ensuring the tree stands tall and healthy.

Incorporating organic matter like compost, bark, or mulch into the soil can improve drainage and aeration, encouraging root growth. It’s like feeding the soil superfood, boosting its health and fertility.

On the other hand, supporting the tree trunk and ensuring a stable tree canopy can help stabilize the tree, especially when the roots are damaged. It’s like providing props to a leaning building, preventing it from falling.

Encouraging Root Growth

damaged tree roots treated with nutrient-rich solution to encourage root growth

Promoting root growth is like boosting the immune system of a tree. It involves providing the plants with the necessary nutrients, water, soil aeration, light, temperature range, and introducing phosphorus and potassium to the environment. Each of these factors is like a vital vitamin, playing a crucial role in the tree’s health.

Using rooting powder on cuttings before planting them can also stimulate root growth. It’s like a growth hormone, giving the roots a head start. Providing adequate nutrients, water, aeration, and light can boost root development, giving the tree a strong foundation. It’s like providing a child with a balanced diet and good education, setting them up for a healthy and successful life.

Supporting Tree Trunks and Canopies

Just as a building needs strong pillars to stand tall, a tree needs a strong trunk and a healthy tree canopy to flourish. Providing support to tree trunks and canopy can help stabilize trees with damaged roots. Techniques such as staking, cabling, bracing, guying, and propping can offer this much-needed stability.

Each of these techniques serves a specific purpose. For example, staking can provide supplemental support for young or damaged trees. It’s like a crutch, helping the tree stand tall until it can support itself. On the other hand, cabling and bracing provide additional support to tree trunks and canopies, much like the beams and columns in a building.

When to Consider Tree Removal

tree with visible roots and trunk with structural support

Just as a doctor may sometimes need to make the difficult decision to amputate a limb to save a patient’s life, there may come a time when tree removal becomes necessary for the greater good of the environment. Tree removal should be contemplated when the tree is deceased, deteriorating, afflicted, or presents a safety risk. It’s a hard choice, but sometimes the only choice.

The decision to remove a tree should not be taken lightly. It’s a delicate operation requiring thorough assessment and professional advice, like a surgical procedure. For instance, removal should be considered if at least 50% of the tree is damaged. It’s like a building with a severely damaged foundation; it’s a disaster waiting to happen and needs to be dealt with promptly.

Assessing Tree Stability

Before deciding to remove a tree, assessing its stability is crucial. This involves evaluating the tree’s overall health, root system, and potential hazards it may pose. It’s like a thorough medical examination, looking at all the vital signs before diagnosing.

Several factors, such as soil conditions, the tree’s overall health, and wind exposure, should be considered when evaluating a tree’s root system. It’s like assessing a building’s stability; you must look at the foundation, the materials used, and the environmental conditions.

Consulting Professional Arborists

When dealing with trees with damaged roots, it’s always advisable to consult professionals. Certified arborists can provide beneficial insights and suggestions for preserving healthy trees and crucial services like tree inventories, management plans, and customized care plans for individual trees. They are like the doctors of the tree world, armed with the knowledge and skills to diagnose and treat tree ailments.

They can help determine whether a tree needs extra support or removal. It’s like consulting an architect before making changes to a building; their expert advice can prevent costly mistakes and potential disasters.

Summary

Just as a healthy body results from good nutrition, exercise, and regular check-ups, a healthy tree results from proper care, regular inspections, and prompt treatment of any issues. From identifying the signs of root damage to understanding the causes and how to treat them, this guide has provided you with the knowledge and tools to care for your trees effectively.

Remember, trees are a valuable asset to our planet, providing us with oxygen, reducing carbon dioxide, and enhancing our landscapes. By taking care of their roots, we’re ensuring their health and contributing to a greener and healthier planet. So, the next time you see a tree, remember that its beauty lies not only in its leaves and branches but also in its roots.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you fix a damaged tree root?

To fix a damaged tree root, consider mulching the soil around the tree and replacing lost soil with a 3-4 inch layer of soil. Additionally, radial trenching can be used to further nourish and protect tree roots and promote new growth.

Can a tree survive root damage?

Root damage can be fatal for a tree, with 20% or more of the root system destroyed, often leading to its demise. However, it may take years before its effects are seen.

For safety reasons, removal of the damaged tree is always advised.

Can a tree recover from root rot?

It is possible for trees and shrubs suffering from Phytophthora root rot to recover, provided there are still healthy roots that can be replanted in fresh soil with good drainage.

If the entire root system has become mushy, it may be too late to save the plant.

When should I be worried about tree roots?

If you see big roots exposed, curling, or snaking on the soil’s surface around a tree, it can be a sign of trouble, and you should be worried. Tree roots usually grow just below ground, in the top 12 to 18 inches of soil.

Will cut tree roots grow back?

Cutting down a tree does not prevent its roots from growing back, so proper care should be taken to avoid potential property damage.


Notice: Undefined variable: page in /home/vrxdg1855sn3/public_html/wp-content/themes/72tree/content.php on line 15

Notice: Trying to get property 'ID' of non-object in /home/vrxdg1855sn3/public_html/wp-content/themes/72tree/content.php on line 15

9 Common Tree Health Problems and Solutions

Tree health care Alpharetta Georgia

Trees get sick. Like any other living organism, a tree can fall ill for various reasons. If left to its own devices, it can eventually fall causing catastrophic damages.

When an otherwise healthy tree shows signs of illness or infestation, you must take action by eliminating the cause or calling on a certified arborist to evaluate the tree and offer a course of action.

The team of arborists at 72tree.com prepared a comprehensive list of 9 common tree health problems and their solutions.

Weather and Tree Health

Trees are affected by inconsistent weather patterns. The following demonstrates how weather impacts trees and how you can help them remain healthy.

1 – Drought:

One of the most common ailments of trees, symptoms of drought can be tricky. Sometimes, the signs won’t appear until as much as a year after the damage has been done. Those symptoms include:

•Drooping, wilting, and yellowing of leaves.

•Premature needle or leaf drop.

•Pronounced dieback.

•Thinning of the canopy.

•Deep cracks in the bark.

•Necrosis of leaves or browning of needles.

•Death of the tree.

Tree care drought Alpharetta Ga

Solution 1 – For planting new trees, make sure they are appropriate for the USDA Hardiness Zone in which you are located. If your area experiences occasional or frequent droughts, seek drought-resistant species.

Solution 2 – Water your trees regularly. New trees will require a deep watering once a week for the first two years (to establish its roots). In addition to watering, add a 3-inch layer of organic mulch around the tree to help the soil retain its moisture.

After two years and through its adult life, trees are very capable of finding water sources. However, throughout dry summer months and near the end of fall, weekly deep watering and mulching will help prevent drought problems.

Solution 3 – Prune back all cracked, dead or weakened tissue. Without pruning these troubled areas, the tree will become vulnerable to infection and infestation. Call on an arborist when pruning removes more than 25% of the tree’s canopy or mass. They can assess the tree and offer a course of action.

2 – Winter Burn:

Also known as desiccation, winter burn occurs primarily in evergreens and causes a discoloration of the foliage. Effects of winter burn are more pronounced where the tree is exposed to the sun and wind. This affliction requires the presence of the following three factors:

Tree winter burn Alpharetta Ga

•Freezing temperatures

•Dry soil

•Wind

Solution – Provide your trees with weekly deep waterings through the end of fall and beginning of winter (before the ground freezes) and mulch the area of the root zone for the soil to retain moisture.

For trees that are highly exposed to the wind and sun, wrapping them with burlap will provide an effective barrier which can be removed as temperatures rise.

3 – Improper Pruning, Trimming, and Cutting:

There is a right way, and a right time to perform tree pruning, cutting, or trimming. When performed improperly, the tree may be left exposed to infection and infestation. When done at the wrong time, new growth may not have enough time to adapt before winter, further stressing the tree.

Solution – Know when to prune. Depending on the species of your tree, it may be better to prune in early spring, late fall, or even in the summer months. Use proper pruning or cutting methods when removing limbs, branches, or stems.

Watch this video to learn more about proper pruning techniques.

Tree Insect Infestation

For the most part, healthy trees can stave off insect infestations. However, when a tree’s health is weakened, or there is an increase in the insect population, no tree is off limits.

4 – Insects on Leaves and Bark:

Insects such as aphids, inchworms, bagworms, spider mites, lace bugs, and tree scale are common and relatively easy to manage.

Solution – Apply insecticidal soap, neem oil, or a horticultural oil directly on the area of the infestation.

5 – Boring Insects:

Insects such as the Emerald Ash Borer, Japanese Beetle, Southern Pine Beetle, and Ambrosia Beetle are more complicated to control. You can identify boring insect activity by seeing “sawdust” from their boring activity and the entry hole they create when entering the tree.

Tree boring insect Alpharetta Ga

Note: Do not inject insecticides, poisons, or other substances into boring insect entry holes. The chemical may end up further damaging the tree leaving it more susceptible to infestation and death.

Solution 1 – Prune back branches and stems that have been infested and destroy them to prevent further spreading. If more than 25% of the tree’s foliage or mass must be removed, seek the assistance of a certified arborist.

Solution 2 – When the infestation is in the trunk of the tree, call an arborist to evaluate the damage and determine a safe approach to halting the infestation.

Solution 3 – Prevent infestations by keeping your trees healthy. When you hear about an outbreak in your area, treat your trees with a bark insecticidal spray to deter the insects from making your tree its host.

Tree Fungal Diseases

Most fungal diseases make their way into a tree through the roots and open wounds. Once a tree is widely infected, it becomes challenging to control the fungi and will often result in the removal of the tree.

6 – Fungal Infection (internal)

Tree decay and fungus Alpharetta Ga

The most alarming sign of fungal trouble is when mushrooms grow on the trunk or branches. Since they require decaying matter to develop, there is a serious issue at play.

Note: The introduction of herbicides to a wounded tree or beneath the bark will only serve to accelerate the death of the tree.

Solution 1 – Prune back and destroy affected foliage, limbs, and branches. Again, when more than 25% of the tree’s foliage or mass must be removed, seek the assistance of a certified arborist. The removal of the tree may be the only way to keep your other trees from being infected.

Solution 2 – Properly prune your healthy trees (or have them pruned) to keep them healthy. A poorly pruned tree is more susceptible to both insect infestation and fungal disease.

7 – Fungal Infection (external)

The wind, birds or insects often carry spores of fungi and pathogens from tree to tree. Cankers, fire blight, rust disease, powdery mildew, and many others are common in the spring and summertime.

Solution – Carefully prune back and destroy affected foliage and apply a fungicidal spray to the affected and surrounding areas. Surrounding trees and shrubs should all undergo treatment as well.

Watch this video to learn about pathogens such as fire blight and cankers which affect tree bark and foliage.

Tree Problems Caused by People and Machinery

All of the threats mentioned above aside, people pose the most significant threat to a tree’s livelihood either by lack of knowledge or accident.

Tree soil compaction Alpharetta Ga

8 – Soil Compaction:

The land that surrounds a tree (especially under its canopy) contains the majority of the roots that draw water for the tree. These roots grow within the top 12 to 18 inches of soil. When this area is compacted, these roots suffocate and die, severely weakening the tree.

Trees compromised by soil compaction are at a heightened risk of toppling in a storm or severe weather event, as their roots are no longer effectively able to anchor them to the ground. Many times, no storm is required, the tree will eventually succumb to its own weight and fall on its own.

Solution – Never drive or park any vehicles underneath a tree’s canopy. Likewise, never store heavy equipment, or erect tool sheds under a tree.

In most municipalities nationwide, tree protection ordinances mandate that protective barriers be placed around trees on construction sites to deter such activities.

The majority of those same ordinances impose heavy fines and replanting requirements known as a recompense for damaged or removed trees.

9 – Lawn Mowers, Motorized Equipment, and Bark Damage:

Alpharetta Ga tree roots

Below the bark of a tree and outer layer of roots, there is a thin layer of cells called the “phloem” which is the conduit for nutrients traveling up and down the tree.

When a tree’s bark is damaged, not only is the tree susceptible to infection and infestation, that flow of nutrients is interrupted and if the damage is around the majority or entirety of the trunk, the tree will be girdled and die.

Solution 1 – Do not allow lawn mowers and other equipment to damage protruding roots or the bark of the tree.

Solution 2 – For protruding roots, either raise the ground level to bury them, or carefully prune them. If you choose to prune the roots, call on a tree professional for detailed instruction or to do the job. Just cutting them out may result in the decline of the tree’s health and its death.

Solution 3 – If the bark of a tree is dried, cracked, or knocked loose, DO NOT remove it. Call an arborist to evaluate the tree’s situation.

Healthy Trees and Arborists

All arborists would agree that healthy, well cared for trees are capable of resisting most infestations and illnesses on their own. However, when a tree does present signs of trouble, knowing what to do can mean the difference between life and death for the tree.

Whether the troubles come from weather, insect, fungi, or people, the solutions are usually simple when detected and treated early. In many cases, to prevent the spreading of a pathogen or the demise of the tree, a certified arborist should be called in to assess the situation and determine a safe course of action.

When your trees show signs of trouble, doing nothing or hesitating to correct the problem may result in the decline of the tree’s health or even its abrupt death.

Sources:
https://www.treesaregood.org/treeowner/planthealthcare
http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/gardens-gardening/your-garden/help-for-the-home-gardener/advice-tips-resources/pests-and-problems/environmental/winter-injury/desiccation-or-winter-burn.aspx
https://www.arborday.org/trees/health/issues.cfm