Girdled Roots on Trees and How an Air Spade Can Help

Why is my tree dying from the top down? 

This is an all-too-common question I get from my clients in Grand Blanc and in many cases the cause is a tree with girdling roots.

Girdled roots are a common yet often overlooked problem in trees. This occurs when the roots grow in a circular pattern around the trunk or a planting hole, rather than growing outward into the soil. Over time, this can restrict the tree’s ability to absorb water and nutrients, leading to reduced growth, stress, or even tree decline.

Visible symptoms of girdling roots appear first as smaller leaves in the upper canopy, then the lower canopy, and eventually appear as twig or branch dieback in the upper canopy. Girdling roots often start to develop in newly planted trees, where roots are confined to a pot or planting hole that is too small, or when trees are planted too low with the flare of the trunk below the soil surface. 

One of the most effective methods to address girdled roots is to use an AirSpade, a tool that uses high-pressure air to safely excavate soil without damaging the tree’s roots. Unlike traditional digging methods, the AirSpade’s air stream loosens and removes soil around the root system without causing harm to the delicate root structures. This makes it an ideal solution for exposing and removing girdled roots, as well as providing a safer environment for healthy root growth.

To correct girdling roots, the area around the base of the tree trunk is carefully excavated with the AirSpade to expose the root system. The arborist using the AirSpade can then identify the girdling roots and cut or redirect them. Once the roots are properly positioned and freed, the surrounding soil is replaced, allowing the tree to grow more naturally and without obstruction. This technique can dramatically improve the health of the tree, promoting better nutrient uptake and stability. A follow up fertilization has also shown to be beneficial after the Air Spading has been finished. 

Regularly checking for and managing girdled roots can prolong the life of your trees and ensure they remain healthy and vibrant for years to come.