I am working on revamping my yard and learned about root flare. As such, I went outside and the previous owner didn't expose any root flare (it was given a square box around the tree, and grass surrounding) on the Japanese Maples. AFAIK the tree is almost 20 years old, maybe more. It's on a slight slope, if that matters. It's been pretty healthy for the past several years.
I dug a ton and believe I found the root flare. However, it looks like there's a big girdled root (easiest to see on the east side photo) probably from ages ago. AFAIK, at this point there's nothing I can do, so I'll just leave it. However, I have several questions:
- In the west side photo, there's a bulge in the tree trunk above the arrow. From my research, that might be from grafting? Maybe just the girdled root? Not really sure about that.
- I can't seem to find the root flare on the west side photo either (where the arrow is pointing). There's just a bunch of small roots. Perhaps, because it wrapped around the tree?
- Did I dig too much? Should I cover up some of these roots?
Any help or guidance would be appreciated!
by ydnawel
3 Comments
If the tree is healthy, just backfill to the root flair. I wouldn’t hack at any of those roots
Eventually that trunk is going to be girdled and the tree will likely die if those roots are not cut. This, however, is a professional job.
What a massive girdled root. I’m seconding leave it alone if tree appears healthy. That much being removed would likely be too much shock and open wound for the tree. It’s been too long and grown too much. Ultimately a removal and replacement future tree would likely be a better investment if it does begin to decline. Check the root stock when you do eventually replant.