The Cause, Assessment, Symptoms, and Treatment of Stem Girdling Roots. (SGR’s)
Cause:
Urban landscapes are filled with trees that are planted to deep. When a tree is planted at the wrong depth the root flare is below ground level. The root flare is a very important part of the trees transportation system. It is the area where the cells from the roots and the cells from the main stem meet and disperse important moisture and nutrients. To insure the health of a tree this area must be visible and void of excess dirt and mulch.
When a tree is planted to deep it will often promote adventitious roots from the flare or the main stem. These roots will cross or encircle the stem and flare. As these roots increase in diameter they compress the sapwood and will cut off the flow of moisture and nutrients. This disorder is called Stem Girdling Roots (SGR) and is one of the primary causes of tree decline in our urban landscapes. Without treatment, SGR’s will prove fatal to the tree.
Assessment and Treatment:
Prevention is the best solution, but for trees already planted, early diagnosis of visible symptoms is essential for future tree health. Trees without a visible root flare at soil level are symptomatic of the disorder and are at risk to develop roots that may girdle the trunk. Diagnosis can also be based on tree species. For example, maples and lindens are more prone to the disorder than are oaks.
To assess the situation, root excavation is necessary. An Air-Spade® is used to blow debris and soil away from the base of a tree, exposing the root collar. This evaluation determines the possibility of improving a trees’ condition. If it is determined that problematic roots may be safely treated, surgical cuts are made to the roots impacting trunk growth. It may be necessary to leave some offending roots, as only roots that do not affect tree stability and structure will be removed. There must also be enough roots left intact to provide sufficient nutrient/water uptake. If tree stem compression by girdling roots is too severe, removal of the tree is the only option.
Symptoms of Stem Girdling Root Syndrome
Possible Indications:
- No visible root flare at soil surface
- Tree trunk looks like a telephone pole growing into the soil
- The trunk appears pinched at the soil surface
- Tree canopy is thin or sparse
- Die-back in upper canopy
- Leaves may be off-color (yellow)
- Trees exhibit early fall color and leaf drop
- Trunk is flattened on one or more sides
- Sun scald or frost cracks visible on the trunk
- Wilting or scorching of leaves
After Care:
As trees stressed by girdling roots are more vulnerable to other problems, special care should be taken to promote health and vigor by:
- Pruning deadwood regularly
- Preventing insect infestation and disease infection
- Keeping trees well watered
- Prevent mulch from touching the trunk of the tree
Girdling Root specialist utilizing our Air-Spade to
evacuate soil in preparation for a root flare inspection.
Girdling roots carefully being removed with
hand tools to protect the tree.
