Today, many nursery trees are grown in containers. The roots of these trees are container-trained to grow in a circular pattern near the base of the plant, as shown below.
Stem girdling roots can restrict water and nutrient uptake to some trees, causing them to decline over the years. Hard maples, lindens, sweet gums and some pine trees are susceptible to stem girdling roots.
The best solutions to prevent tree decline due to girdling roots:
- Avoid purchasing plants that have grown too long in containers.
- Loosen spiraling roots from container-grown plants before planting.
- After a balled and burlapped tree is positioned in the hole, loosen the top of the burlap to check for potential girdling roots.
- Plant the tree at the existing root ball soil level, ensuring it is not too deep.
- Avoid placing deep mulch against the trunk.
As always, if you have any questions, contact the professionals at Buckeye EcoCare.
