Do you have a tree in your yard that looks stressed and unhealthy despite your best efforts to take care of it? In the canopy you see dead branches, cracking bark, or leaves that have changed colors early and fallen off prematurely. There may even be recurring chronic issues with pest insects, spotting leaves, or other signs of disease.
These symptoms definitely are indicators that there is something wrong. And while there are effective treatments for many tree health issues, these measures alone may not provide the most sustainable long-term solution. The reason is that, on their own, most pest and disease treatments don’t address what is quite literally the root of most tree health problems.
Research has shown that most tree diseases and health disorders, at least 80% in fact, are directly related to factors that are going on underground. So, to resolve health issues that are visible above ground, more often than not, we need to look downward at what is going on at the bottom of the tree and under the soil that surrounds it.
A safe and effective way to do this involves a safe, non-invasive procedure called a Root Collar Excavation – or RCX. This is a professional tree health care service that can improve your tree’s health, if not save its life, and ensure its long-term survivability.
What is a root collar and why is it important?
A root collar, also called a root flare or basal flare, is the bottom portion of a tree’s trunk that widens and transitions to the main structural roots of the tree. A healthy exposed root flare is shown in the photo below.
Photo by Nancy Gaspari
This part of the tree is really important because it supports the weight of the entire tree above ground while anchoring it into the soil below. It is also crucially important to the tree’s health and well-being, as the tree’s vascular system in this area transports critical water and nutrients to the upper portions of the tree and its canopy.
When is an RCX needed?
Root collar excavations are often necessary in cases where trees have been planted too deeply or have had too much soil and mulch piled against their trunk bases and root flares. In this photo you can see that most of this tree’s basal flare is buried in soil and mulch.
Photo by Nancy Gaspari
A buried root flare is problematic because the tree’s flare and supporting buttress roots need exposure to air, so that the base of the tree can breathe. Piling soil and mulch on top of a tree can suffocate it, as well as predispose the tree to basal rot and structural decay.
In response to buried root flares, trees may also grow adventitious roots that circle and girdle the base of the tree. If left unchecked, these roots will widen and grow into the tree’s trunk and main roots, essentially strangling it. And in time these problematic roots may contribute to the tree losing its stability and eventually falling over.
What happens with an RCX?
When performing a root collar excavation, a trained tree care technician uses a pneumatic air tool that directs a jet of compressed air into the ground which safely blows soil away from the base of the tree and its surrounding roots without cutting roots or causing injury to the tree.
Photo by Nancy Gaspari
Note that shields are put in place to protect a nearby house and valuable property from flying debris.
After layers of mulch and soil have been safely removed, the technician then examines the tree’s roots and carefully prunes and removes any circling or conflicting roots.
Photo by Nancy Gaspari
After the excavation and root pruning are finished, soil is amended and backfilled, and mulch is put back in place - while leaving the tree’s root collar properly exposed. This gives the tree its best chance to recover and go on to live a long and healthy life!
Photo by Nancy Gaspari
Our trees give us so much, beautifying our yards while benefiting our health and the environment. If your tree is having health issues - and not looking its best - call on your expert arborists and tree care professionals at Monster Tree Service. We take care of your trees and property as if they were our own, and we give your trees the TLC, or Tree Loving Care, they deserve!