Healthy Trees Unlimited

Planting a tree at the proper height can extend the life of a tree by giving the root system a place to spread out. The majority or all of the trees root system is in the top 12-24 inches of soil. When the flare of a tree is deep planted Stem Girdling Roots develop and choke a tree. A trees roots can apply approx. 3200 PSI to the base of a tree effectively killing it by strangulation.

Look to the base of your tree do you have a flare? (look at our photos page for pictures of tree flare) If not, your tree is most likely in trouble. Having the flare of a tree buried is creating Stem Girdiling Roots or SGR. Stem Girdling Roots will circle the tree underground and as the trunk grows so will the SGR eventually cutting off fluid transfer in the stem and choking the tree. There are many signs of SGR. One sign of SGR, is the canopy dying from the top down. Another is, getting its autumn colors early in the top of the crown. Depending on the size of the stem you may need to replant and slowly reduce the SGR'ed tree. Once SGR is showing signs of dieback it is game over for that tree. WAIT...DON'T CUT DOWN YOUR TREE YET, THERE MAY STILL BE HOPE! If you have somewhat of a flare you could benefit from a ROOT COLLAR INSPECTION. To know for sure contact HTU so a certified arborist can properly access the situation by consultation.