Girdling Root Removal
with AirSpade
Tree root girdling occurs when a tree’s roots grow in a circular pattern around the trunk or main roots, rather than spreading outward. Over time, these circling roots can compress the trunk or other roots, restricting the flow of water and nutrients. This can lead to poor tree health, stunted growth, canopy dieback, or even death. Girdling roots often develop due to improper planting (like planting too deeply or in a container for too long), compacted soil, or other site conditions. At Rick’s Certified Arborists, our experts are highly experienced at using AirSpade technology and will ensure that your tree roots are treated with the care they deserve. Reach out today to schedule our professional AirSpade girdling root removal service for your property.
Arborists Rooted in Exceptional Tree Care
At Rick’s, we’re proud to provide AirSpade services to property owners in the following areas: Chester, Montgomery, and Delaware Counties, plus Northern Delaware. When you need Certified Arborists to remove girdled roots, excavate roots, aerate soil, or provide other services, choose us for expertise you can count on.
How To Prevent Girdling Roots
To prevent girdling roots, start by selecting healthy nursery trees without circling roots. Before planting, gently loosen or prune any matted or encircling roots to encourage outward growth. Always plant at the correct depth, with the root flare visible just above the soil line, and avoid compacted soil that can restrict root development. Apply 2–4 inches of mulch around the base, keeping it away from the trunk, and avoid piling mulch against the bark. Maintain consistent watering to reduce stress on the roots. Periodically inspect young trees for early signs of girdling, as early intervention can prevent long-term damage. Typically, the trees we AirSpade are between 10 and 20 years old, and after years of neglect, the roots have girdled, which prompts the need for service. For the best results, leave the job to the Certified Arborists at Rick’s.
How Root Collar Excavation Benefits You
Root collar excavation is ideally suited for identifying excess mulch and soil buildup, girdling root removal, and addressing symptoms like lack of root flare, thinning canopy, uneven crown shape, increased pest and disease infestations, early fall color, and premature leaf drop. Here’s how it benefits you:
Tap for more information
Concerned About a Thinning Canopy or Premature Leaf Drop?
Root collar excavation uses compressed air to carefully remove excess mulch and soil around the tree base, offering a non-invasive alternative to traditional digging. This reveals critical root flare issues and buried trunk portions, allowing better assessment of your tree’s health without disturbing healthy roots. The process is faster and more efficient, which means less disruption to your property and quicker identification of problems that lead to such symptoms as a thinning canopy and early leaf drop.
Buried Root Flare Could Be Suffocating Your Tree
Your tree’s root collar health is critical. Root collar excavation is specifically designed to expose and protect roots during the removal of excess materials. Instead of cutting through roots like traditional tools might, this method gently removes accumulated mulch and soil to reveal girdling roots and buried trunk sections. This makes it easier for our Arborists to inspect, diagnose, and treat issues like root strangulation and crown decline, all without putting your trees at risk.
Worried About Causing Damage With Digging?
Because it eliminates the need for manual digging around sensitive root zones, root collar excavation requires less heavy labor and causes minimal disturbance to your landscape. Whether you’re dealing with mulch volcanoes, buried root flares, or declining tree health symptoms, this approach means cleaner work areas and faster cleanup.
Quickly Finding–and Fixing–Girdled Roots to Protect Your Landscape
With root collar excavation techniques, our team can complete diagnostic assessments and corrective treatments much faster than with traditional methods. That means your project moves from identifying symptoms like canopy thinning and premature leaf drop to implementing solutions quickly, saving you time while still delivering high-quality, professional care for your trees and landscape.
Schedule AirSpade Service Today!
Find out what our AirSpade tools can do for your property’s trees. In addition to our AirSpade services, we also offer residential tree care and tree wellness to help your trees stay healthy and beautiful every season of the year. Reach out to Rick’s Certified Arborists today to learn more and schedule service for your landscaping.
