Note that all trees will not respond in the same
way – species, age, and health all need to be con-
sidered when trying to evaluate the effects of past
damage. Most willow trees, for example, are very
adaptable to a change of grade and often will show
no problems at all.
Fixing the Problem
If caught soon enough, it can be corrected and
tree will recover. However, upon root crown inspec-
tion, if it is found that large cankers have formed and
decay is present, or if the tree has developed exten-
sive girdling roots, it might be wiser to remove and
replace the tree than to attempt to save it. During the
root crown inspection, arborists use a high pressure
air device called an “air spade” to safely remove the
excess soil and mulch without damaging the root sys-
tem. Once the soil is removed, there is a clear view of
the buried trunk and roots, the damage can be evalu-
ated, and a decision made as to which roots to leave
and which can be safely removed. It is very important
not to remove too much too soon or the tree will be
shocked. Sometimes the work will have to be done in
stages over a couple of years.
gest 2 to 3 inches placed in a ring around the tree
with the center around the trunk empty, kind of
like a doughnut. How wide to make the ring is up
to you, but the farther the better. Trees don’t like to
compete with lawns for nutrients and water, and the
more mulched area you can give them, the better off
they will be. Mulched trees have fewer problems than
trees growing in lawns. Even a small, 2 to 3 foot ring
can make a big difference. The mulch creates a more
natural growing environment with its organic material
breaking down and supporting vital soil microbes.
Other benefi ts include increased moisture retention
and cooler soil temperatures, both of which favor op-
timal root growth.
If done properly, mulch is a great asset to
your landscape and aids your trees during summer
drought periods by maintaining soil moisture. It also
helps insulate the roots during the winter months,
which allows them to remain active longer into the
season. GG
Steve Turner, Certifi ed Arborist, is from Arboricultural
Services in Fenton, MI. He can be contacted at
[email protected].
Proper Mulching Looks Like a Doughnut
While it is common to see 4 to 6 inches of mulch
around a tree, this is usually too much. I would sug-
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March 2019