What Causes Girdling Roots?

Girdling roots are lateral tree roots at or slightly below the soil surface and cut into at least one side of the main tree trunk. These roots put pressure on the tree and restrict water and nutrients from getting to the leaves of the tree. Over time, trunks and stems will weaken from this restriction on nourishment and the tree may die in five to fifteen years. When you add other environmental stresses and insect attacks, you can witness your tree die much quicker. To make matters worse, practices like fertilization, irrigation, and pruning will not counterbalance the slow in growth due to the girdling roots. This is why you should seek treatment for your tree as soon as you identify girdling roots.

Causes and Prevention

Girdling roots is triggered by nursery and transplanting methods, root restriction, and other unknown causes. When plants are held in containers, the roots begin to grow until they no longer fit in the container. Eventually, the roots begin to circle around the pot and girdle the tree. When you take these trees out of the pot, be sure to loosen and spread out these roots in the planting hole before covering the roots with soil. If the girdling roots have been in the pot for long, then the roots may be woody and will have to be cut as they will not be flexible and will have taken the shape of the pot. As a final note, make sure that the soil is not packed too tight to obstruct the growth of the roots. Compacted soil can cause a similar situation as the container mentioned earlier.

What Is the Treatment?