Last summer we had this oak planted and just wondering was it done correctly. Also this root looks concerning. I just moved a bit of mulch from the top when I took the photo.
Its about 8feet tall and with 3" trunk. Located in north DFW area.
by Redikull
1 Comment
That root will eventually girdle the tree, the one crossing laterally perpendicular to the stem.
I think it’s feasible to gently excavate JUST that root, by tracing it with a small trowel, cultivator, or I quite like using a small hook, something like a “hay hook”.
Gently trace that root, and use a leaf blower to disperse any clumps of soil as you loosen it.
I think it is worth trying this, to see if the root can be freed and returned to the correct side of the tree. If you can manage to free that root and preserve the fibrous roots,
Excavate the root source as much as you can to see where it is coming from, and direct it outwards radially from the stem.
One tip, if you’re having a hard time getting the root to stay down, or its longer than the hole you’ve excavated:
Turn your shovel/spade to line up with the path of the root, and push it into the ground. Using the handle for leverage, push forward and backwards to open up a channel/trench for the root. If possible, or necessary, make a cross-trench in the same manner for clumps of fibrous roots as necessary.
That isn’t as good as fully excavating and investigating the root mass,
But that should improve this tree’s potential.