Root Crown Maintenance

A tree’s root collar is the area where the roots join the trunk. Root collars flare out from the trunk before leading down to the major roots. Root collars can be affected by girdling roots (roots that wrap around the trunk of the tree), too much mulch piled against the trunk and lawn mower damage. The most common root collar affliction results from too much mulch piled against the trunk. Root collar disorders are managed by using a pneumatic air tool for excavations, removal of any girdling roots, bark-tracing lawn mower damaged areas and fertilization to offset the damage caused by these root problems. Root collar treatments can be included in any plant health care program. This type of program can be done on individual trees and on entire plantings or groups of trees.