Girdling roots

This sugar maple tree is a good example of how girdling roots form in the mulch that is piled up around the base of the tree.  As you can see the mound of mulch is a mass of roots and some of the large roots are already girdling the trunk of this tree.  The effects of this girdling will probably not be evident for several more years but if left untreated it is sure to cause problems for the tree in the future.  Removal of the roots is the only way to fix the problem however at this late stage root removal could severely injure the tree.

Girdling Roots are roots that wrap around the trunk of a tree or shrub.  The roots will affect the health and structural stability of the plant.  There are several ways girdling roots are formed.  The most common way is by growing plants in pots.  Plant material is grown in a series of containers through production.  It starts in seed trays or plug trays then is moved to small pots and as the plant grows it is transplanted in to successively larger pots or planted in a field.  The plants roots grow to the edge of the container and then turn abruptly and start to grow in a circular fashion.  Another common way for girdling roots to form is to plant the tree or shrub too deeply in the ground or mound dirt up around the base of the tree.  Roots are opportunistic and grow where conditions are best.  The roots grow up into the soil mounded around the base of the tree and form girdling roots.  These roots affect the ability of the plant to transport water and materials through the vascular system.  They also restrict trunk growth and cause a structural weakness.  The affects of girdling roots are not immediate or abrupt and can take many years to manifest themselves to the point that they are noticeable.  By this time it is too late and the time and money invested in the plant is lost!!!