Cover them with soil and add a retainer fence or wall to hold the soil in. You will be able to plant bulbs in the soil for spring flowering. Don't think of trying to cut the out, because the tree will die eventually and may come down on your home!!
Is it in the ground or container? what type/kind of tree is it? some trees are/will handle roots being cut off easy than other varieties & so yes you can cut them off depending on type of tree and age but would need to determine if any of it is main/tap root;the girdling may cause tree to die so might not matter if you damage main root;need to address ground(too compacted for roots to spread) as well as tree because both are factors in why it is girdling in the first place. you cannot just bury the roots it will cause rotting which will attract bugs & damage to tree cusing it to die or fall before it dies. Base of trees should never be buried with soil or mulch. How big is the tree? A new hole needs to be dug and tree transplanted into proper sized hole. Girdling roots don’t just “happen.” Trees in urban environments are exposed to certain factors trees in nature don’t have to contend with, which can cause numerous issues, including girdling roots.
The most common cause is improper planting/transplanting. When trees remain in their nursery containers for too long, the roots can circle the bottom of the pot, having nowhere else to go. When these roots are not loosened during the planting process, they can become girdling roots.
Similarly, when a tree is planted in a hole that is too small, the same process occurs: the tree’s roots begin circling one another and in time develop into girdling roots.
Leaving pieces of the planting container or other debris in the planting hole can also lead to girdling roots down the road. Other causes include heavily compacted soil and close proximity to foundations, curbs and other obstructions, all of which can hinder normal root growth.Luckily, girdling roots are relatively easy to spot – if you know what to look for.
The number one indicator of girdling roots is an abnormal trunk flare. Typically, a tree trunk flares out where it meets the ground. In a tree with girdling roots, the trunk may instead appear straight or even narrower.
You may also observe roots circling the tree above the soil line, although typically girdling roots lie just below the surface. Other, less obvious signs include early leaf drop, small leaves and canopy dieback.The best way to prevent girdling roots – as well as many other problems – is to dig the correct size planting hole. A common misconception is “the deeper the better,” however, the planting hole should be two to three times as wide as the root ball and no deeper than the root ball. There should not be soil above the root flare or mulch up against the trunk.
If there are roots encircling the base of the root ball, break these up before planting to allow for normal root development. Water a newly planted tree consistently and inspect the root flare for defects periodically.
Girdling roots can be removed, but you may need to consult with a certified arborist to avoid damaging the main stem. In severe cases, girdling roots can compromise the tree’s stability and the tree may need to be removed.if you do not know what you are doing then called certified Arborist in area not just any landscaping company or yard service will be knowledgable enuf to help your tree & keep your tree alive. I sure hope you save it we need every tree we can save big/old or little/young.
My tree's are big & have been here a very long time. There is absolutely no way to replant. Roots were not exposed until accesive rain. Any other suggestions?
Cover the roots with soil and but a low wall or something to keep the soil from washing away again. Don't cover them too deeply at first so you don't smother them. Plant some shade grass in the soil to keep it from washing away too. The trees might just be the kind of trees that are surface rooting.
Hi ! I agree , you need to cover the roots with soil . We had a similar situation and we got a pallet of rock and built a low wall about 5 feet from the trunk , around the tree then filled it in with top soil . I planted bulbs of daffodils and Lily of the valley .
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Hello Kathy,
Cover them with soil and add a retainer fence or wall to hold the soil in. You will be able to plant bulbs in the soil for spring flowering. Don't think of trying to cut the out, because the tree will die eventually and may come down on your home!!
Is it in the ground or container? what type/kind of tree is it? some trees are/will handle roots being cut off easy than other varieties & so yes you can cut them off depending on type of tree and age but would need to determine if any of it is main/tap root;the girdling may cause tree to die so might not matter if you damage main root;need to address ground(too compacted for roots to spread) as well as tree because both are factors in why it is girdling in the first place. you cannot just bury the roots it will cause rotting which will attract bugs & damage to tree cusing it to die or fall before it dies. Base of trees should never be buried with soil or mulch. How big is the tree? A new hole needs to be dug and tree transplanted into proper sized hole. Girdling roots don’t just “happen.” Trees in urban environments are exposed to certain factors trees in nature don’t have to contend with, which can cause numerous issues, including girdling roots.
The most common cause is improper planting/transplanting. When trees remain in their nursery containers for too long, the roots can circle the bottom of the pot, having nowhere else to go. When these roots are not loosened during the planting process, they can become girdling roots.
Similarly, when a tree is planted in a hole that is too small, the same process occurs: the tree’s roots begin circling one another and in time develop into girdling roots.
Leaving pieces of the planting container or other debris in the planting hole can also lead to girdling roots down the road. Other causes include heavily compacted soil and close proximity to foundations, curbs and other obstructions, all of which can hinder normal root growth.Luckily, girdling roots are relatively easy to spot – if you know what to look for.
The number one indicator of girdling roots is an abnormal trunk flare. Typically, a tree trunk flares out where it meets the ground. In a tree with girdling roots, the trunk may instead appear straight or even narrower.
You may also observe roots circling the tree above the soil line, although typically girdling roots lie just below the surface. Other, less obvious signs include early leaf drop, small leaves and canopy dieback.The best way to prevent girdling roots – as well as many other problems – is to dig the correct size planting hole. A common misconception is “the deeper the better,” however, the planting hole should be two to three times as wide as the root ball and no deeper than the root ball. There should not be soil above the root flare or mulch up against the trunk.
If there are roots encircling the base of the root ball, break these up before planting to allow for normal root development. Water a newly planted tree consistently and inspect the root flare for defects periodically.
Girdling roots can be removed, but you may need to consult with a certified arborist to avoid damaging the main stem. In severe cases, girdling roots can compromise the tree’s stability and the tree may need to be removed.if you do not know what you are doing then called certified Arborist in area not just any landscaping company or yard service will be knowledgable enuf to help your tree & keep your tree alive. I sure hope you save it we need every tree we can save big/old or little/young.
Cover the roots with soil and but a low wall or something to keep the soil from washing away again. Don't cover them too deeply at first so you don't smother them. Plant some shade grass in the soil to keep it from washing away too. The trees might just be the kind of trees that are surface rooting.
Hi ! I agree , you need to cover the roots with soil . We had a similar situation and we got a pallet of rock and built a low wall about 5 feet from the trunk , around the tree then filled it in with top soil . I planted bulbs of daffodils and Lily of the valley .