Have you ever noticed that the base of your tree looks as if it’s getting suffocated by surrounding mulch or soil? That area is called the root collar, and it’s more important than you might think. When the root collar is buried, your tree’s health is at risk. Roots need room to breathe, and giving them that space can make all the difference.
At Rick’s Certified Arborists, we know how to bring your trees back to life with proper Root Collar Excavation for West Chester residents. Our service uncovers the root collar, giving your trees the space they need to thrive.
Contact us today to help your tree roots grow and breathe.
Why Is it Important to NOT Bury the Root Collar?
Trees grow from the top and bottom simultaneously. As branches reach for the sky, roots spread underground. But here’s the thing – trees don’t grow deeper into the soil over time. The root flare you see at the base of a young tree should remain at ground level throughout its life. However, things like excessive mulching, soil grade changes, or even the tree’s own leaf litter can gradually bury the root collar.
When the root collar gets buried, it creates an environment that trees just aren’t built for. This can lead to decay, fungal growth, and even girdling roots that squeeze the life out of the tree. Buried root collars can make your tree susceptible to diseases and pests, and in severe cases, it can be like slowly suffocating your tree. That’s why you must keep that root flare exposed and let root collars see the light of day.
Root Collar Excavation: What to Expect From Our Services
Root Collar Excavation is the process of carefully removing soil and debris from around the base of the tree to expose the root flare. This area, where the trunk transitions into the root system, is crucial for your tree’s health. When buried, it can lead to all sorts of problems. By using safe, precise tools, we expose the tree’s root flare and allow the tree to regain its natural growth. Here are some ways we help your trees breathe:
Assessment of Your Tree’s Root System
Before we begin the excavation, we take a good look at the tree’s health and root system. We check for signs of girdling roots, compacted soil, and root flare depth.
Safe Soil Removal with Air Tools
Arborists use Air Spades and other digging tools that apply compressed air to gently remove soil from around the root collar without damaging the tree’s roots. This method allows us to be accurate and avoids unnecessary harm to your tree.
Clearing Adventitious Roots and Excess Mulch
During the excavation, we’ll clear out adventitious roots and excess mulch that have built up over time. These unwanted roots often form when too much mulch or soil is left at the base, blocking air from getting to the tree’s root system.
Restoring the Natural Root Flare
Once the root collar is exposed, we restore the natural root flare, where the tree trunk widens and the roots begin. This creates a healthier environment for the tree and helps prevent future problems like root rot or girdling roots.
Professional Root Collar Excavation Makes All the Difference
Think you can just grab a shovel and start digging? We don’t suggest it. Root Collar Excavation can be a challenging job if you don’t know what to expect. You’re dealing with a complex network of roots, and one wrong move could do more harm than good. Plus, compacted soil and years of buildup can make this job tougher than it looks.
Here’s why calling in the pros from Rick’s Certified Arborists is your best bet:
- We use specialized equipment like air tools that can remove soil without harming roots.
- Our team knows how to spot and address issues like girdling roots or decay.
- We can provide expert advice on maintaining proper soil levels and mulching techniques.
- Our knowledge of tree biology helps us make decisions that benefit your tree’s long-term health.
- We work efficiently and safely, saving you time and potential backache.
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
Let Your Tree Breathe With Rick’s Certified Arborists
When your trees need a breath of fresh air, Rick’s Certified Arborists are just a call away. We are more than ready to help your trees in West Chester, PA, and surrounding areas thrive year-round. Healthy trees start from the ground up. Give your trees the care they need to stand tall and strong for years to come.
Contact us today for further insight on what we can do for your tree. Our Tree Wellness efforts include Trunk Injections, and we also offer Tree Panting and Insect and Disease Control.