Dead Tree Branches & Stunted Growth?

Girdling roots are a silent threat to many landscape trees in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, and can lead to their slow decline and eventual death. These roots grow around the trunk instead of away from the trunk, strangling the tree and restricting the flow of water and nutrients.

In Bloomfield Hills, where beautiful trees are a cornerstone of the landscape, it's crucial to be aware of this hidden danger. Girdling roots often result from improper planting practices, such as planting trees too deeply or in containers that are too small.

Signs of girdling roots in Bloomfield Hills trees include:

•    Lack of visible root flare at the base of the trunk
•    Stunted growth and smaller-than-normal leaves
•    Early fall color and leaf drop
•    Thinning of the tree's crown
•    Branches dying back, especially on one side of the tree

Prevention is key to avoiding girdling roots. When planting new trees in Bloomfield Hills:

•    Ensure the root flare is visible at ground level
•    Remove all packaging materials, including wire baskets and burlap
•    Inspect nursery stock for circling roots before planting
•    Avoid over-mulching, which can lead to shallow root growth

For established trees, regular inspections by an ISA Certified Arborist from Owen Tree Service can help identify and address girdling roots early, before they have a chance to cause harm to your tree. Treatment may involve carefully pruning one problematic root or using an air spade first to expose several circling roots and then developing a plan to remove them over a period of years.

A tree fertilization program should be implemented whenever girdling roots are removed. While a girdling root might be hurting one part of the tree, it is also providing water and nutrients to another part of the tree. Fertilization helps to insure the tree has access to the nutrients it needs to maintain its health.

By being proactive about girdling roots, Bloomfield Hills residents can help ensure their trees remain healthy and beautiful, and continue to be an asset to your property.