Girdling Root Removal in West Chester, PA

Girdling Root Tree Symptoms

Girdling roots often take years to develop, but you can spot the warning signs before the damage becomes severe. Early detection gives you the chance to address the problem before it compromises the tree’s stability.

Some key indicators of girdling roots include:

• Visible roots above the soil line: You might notice larger girdling roots circling the base of the tree.
• Sunken or flattened area on one side of the tree trunk: This can occur where stem girdling roots press into the tree.
• Early leaf drop or yellowing leaves: The root system struggles to supply nutrients, leading to unhealthy foliage.
• Leafless branches: A clear sign that parts of the tree are being deprived of water and nutrients.
• Slow or stunted growth: Girdling roots can restrict the tree’s ability to grow, leaving it smaller than expected for its age.

Treatment and Removal of Girdling Roots

When treating girdling roots, timing is everything. The earlier you catch and address the issue, the better your tree’s chances of recovery. Our approach at Rick’s Certified Arborists involves a careful assessment of your tree’s condition, followed by a tailored treatment plan to address the specific girdling root problems your tree faces and improve your tree’s health.

Root Collar Excavation

To effectively remove girdling roots, the first step is exposing the root flare, which is often buried too deep under soil or mulch. That is achieved via Root Collar Excavation. We use tools to carefully excavate around the base of the tree, uncovering the root ball and main roots without causing harm to the tree. This allows us to assess the extent of the girdling and plan the next steps.

Removing the Roots

Once the girdling roots are exposed, we carefully cut away the circling roots that are constricting the tree’s trunk. This helps restore the natural flow of nutrients between the tree’s roots and leaves. Removing a stem girdling root is a delicate process that must be done carefully to avoid injuring the tree’s root system and maintaining its overall stability. A chisel or saw is used to cut the root out from the trunk to avoid serious damage, and the root can be detached and removed if it is not too deep. We may also let the root decay over time if too much damage is caused by the detachment and removal process.

Aftercare and Monitoring

After removing girdling roots, we provide aftercare instructions to help your tree recover and thrive. This might include proper mulching techniques, watering schedules, and tips for maintaining good soil health.

Long-Term Care

After treatment, we recommend adjusting the soil surface around the tree to prevent future problems. This might involve improving soil drainage, adjusting mulch levels, or addressing compacted ground around the tree. With proper care, your tree can continue to grow and remain healthy for years to come.

We’re Proud to Serve the Following Locations:

• West Chester, PA
• Media, PA
• Pottstown, PA
• Phoenixville, PA
• Collegeville, PA
• Downingtown, PA
• Glen Mills, PA
• Malvern, PA
• Wilmington, DE