Home > Root growth > Root collar exam and treatments > Roots girdling the trunk > Girdling roots kill trees
Girdling roots kill trees
Roots wrapped around the trunk can kill trees. This tree is only one of two remaining on this site where several dozen died from roots wrapping completely around the trunk.
Maple tree with severe die-back. |
Closeup of the center portion of the tree completely dead. This tree is a removal. |
Here is the base of the tree showing roots wrapping the trunk. Girdling roots killed this tree. The roots grew in the mulch that was maintained over the root ball and on the trunk for many years. Roots enjoy growing in mulch so keep it at least 12 inches from the trunk so this does not happen. |