Did you know your trees could be dying right now? This is not to scare you, but it’s true!

Tree roots grow in a precise way. If altered, trees will not absorb water and nutrients well, killing them slowly. 

The good news is since the tree growing process is slow, you can take action now to ensure your trees are growing properly. Root collar excavation is a process that will keep your trees healthy and striving all year round. 

If you want to learn how to have healthy trees and stop them from growing incorrectly, keep reading! 

Root Collar Excavation Explained

Root collar excavation is a process where a tree specialist (arborist) removes soil and mulch from the tree’s lower trunk until the root flare is visible. 

Trees should not stick out of the ground like a pole. Instead, the tree should flare out at the base as it reaches the soil.

Using an Air Spade, compressed air removes excess mulch and soil. The tool is strong enough to handle heavy materials but gentle enough to protect the sensitive tree roots. 

It’s a simple yet effective process used to ensure root protection. After a root collar excavation, the arborists will determine if you need to take further steps to protect your trees.

Why Do You Need It?

Tree protection, such as a root collar excavation, is important to keep trees healthy from season to season.

Excess soil and mulch will retain moisture. What is the harm of prolonged moisture at the base of a tree?

• Stem tissues are not supposed to be consistently wet

• It decomposes the bark and stresses the tree

• The cells in the tree trunk will stop performing their jobs

• Gas exchanges and moving through the plant become difficult

• Disease and insect infestation begin to occur

• Tree trunk warping is visible

In addition, tree roots will also start growing up above the ground and around the trunk. Arborists call them girdling roots.

Girdling roots cause the tree to strangle itself as they wrap around the tree. This is because water and nutrients cannot flow through the conductive tissues in the roots. Thus, leading to tree suffocation. 

After a root collar excavation, girdling roots are easy to see as they lay above the ground. An arborist will prune, or cut, some of the roots to ensure the tree remains healthy.

As long as you check your trees yearly, you don’t have to worry! Studies have shown that a root collar excavation can significantly improve a tree’s health.

Save Your Trees Today

Even if your trees are not in good condition, you can take swift action. You know the benefits of a root collar excavation, so consider scheduling one today.

Don’t hesitate to contact us for assistance with all your tree protection needs. Our professional arborists will guide you through the process and teach you how to grow healthy trees for years to come.