Trees are silent, green giants that contribute immensely to the health of our planet. Yet, beneath their stoic exterior, their root systems underground are vulnerable to various threats. Tree root damage is a common issue that can compromise the stability and health of the trees around us. In this article, we will unravel the causes of tree root damage, identify its symptoms, explore effective treatments, and discuss preventive measures to ensure the well-being of our arboreal heroes.
What Causes Damage to Tree Roots
Tree root damage can be caused by many factors, ranging from living organisms to abiotic stressors. Fungal and bacterial pathogens can wreak havoc when they invade root tissue and decay the wood, hindering the root’s ability to function and support the aboveground biomass. Improper irrigation, adverse weather conditions, and poor soils are some environmental factors that can also weaken the root system. Furthermore, human activities can cause substantial damage, such as the construction and application of de-icing salts.
Impact of Construction and Digging
One of the primary causes of tree root damage in the urban forest is human activities, particularly construction and digging. When heavy machinery is used near trees, the soil compacts, restricting the movement of air, water, and nutrients to the roots. Additionally, excavation activities can physically damage or sever vital roots, disrupting the tree’s ability to absorb essential resources. Learn about how much of a tree’s roots you can remove while still keeping the tree safe.
Effects of Weather Conditions: Salt Damage in Winter
Winter weather can be harsh on trees, especially in regions where de-icing salts are heavily used. The salts can accumulate in the soil, leading to root damage. High salt levels in the soil draw moisture out of the roots, leading to desiccation and affecting the tree’s overall health. Try to avoid or minimize the use of de-icing salts near trees to preserve their root systems.
Identifying Symptoms of Root Damage
Understanding the signs of root damage is one of the first steps in helping your trees stay healthy. Trees might be unable to vocalize their distress, but they communicate it through visible symptoms. In this section, we’ll go over the basics of identifying these symptoms. From subtle cues like leaf wilting to more apparent signs such as twig dieback and poor growth, recognizing these indicators can help us intervene promptly by providing effective tree care.
Leaf Wilting and Dropping
One of the earliest signs of root damage is the wilting and dropping of leaves. Because the roots are struggling to absorb water and nutrients, the foliage will start to discolor and shrivel. And despite any efforts to increase irrigation and fertilizers, the leaves will fail to revive because the root damage isn’t remedied.
Twig and Branch Dieback
As root damage progresses, the consequences become more evident in the upper parts of the tree. As the flow of nutrients from roots to canopy stays compromised, twig and branch dieback will follow leaf drop.
Poor Growth and Leaning Trees
Root damage can impede the tree’s growth, leading to stunted development. The leaves may continue to absorb sunlight, but without the delivery of water and nutrients by the roots, the tree can’t manufacture sugars and new cells for growth. Additionally, weakened root systems may result in trees developing a lean, indicating instability and potential hazards.
Effective Treatments for Damaged Roots
Addressing root damage and soil health is critical to preserving the whole tree’s health. Once the symptoms of root damage are identified, the next step is to implement effective treatments to help trees recover. In this segment, we will explore practical and science-backed approaches to mitigating root damage, focusing on two key aspects: the fundamental role of adequate watering in supporting root health and the benefits of soil aeration in combating issues arising from soil compaction.
Importance of Adequate Watering
Adequate watering is a vital tree care and maintenance process for root health. Providing enough water helps replenish soil moisture, facilitating nutrient uptake and preventing the onset of root diseases. Trees have deeper root systems than most plants, so water infrequently but deeply and slowly to allow thorough water penetration through the root system. Here’s our recommended rule of thumb for watering trees:
How Often?
- Hot, dry weather: water about 2x a month.
- Cool-weather: water about 1x a month.
How Much?
- Small trees: 15-20 gal each time
- Large trees: 30-40 gal each time
And if you are nurturing a newly planted tree, consult this quick guide for watering.
Benefits of Soil Aeration
Soil aeration is an arboricultural practice that rejuvenates compacted soil and revitalizes the tree’s root system. By improving soil structure, aeration enhances the movement of air, water, and nutrients to the roots, promoting their health and overall tree vigor.
Using specialized tools like air spades, arborists can introduce a controlled flow of high-pressure air into the soil, creating channels that relieve compaction without causing additional harm to the roots. This process improves soil structure and facilitates the movement of air, water, and nutrients to the roots. Another technique is vertical mulching involves placing organic materials such as wood chips into the soil in vertical channels around the tree. This not only aids in breaking up compacted soil but also provides a long-lasting source of nutrients as the mulch decomposes.
Using Organic Materials: Mulch and Compost
Incorporating compost into the topsoil around trees provides nutrients, feeding tree roots, and beneficial soil microbes, improving root health. Mulching around trees with organic materials such as wood chips provides a protective layer that conserves soil moisture, regulates temperature, and prevents soil compaction. Mulch acts as a shield, reducing the impact of external factors on the root system. Learn more about the benefits of wood chip mulch in this article by Washington State University professor Linda Chalker-Scott.
Consulting with Certified Arborists
When faced with severe tree root damage, consult with certified arborists to have your tree thoroughly assessed. Our professional team of certified arborists is here to help inspect the extent of damage, recommend appropriate root and soil treatments, and provide guidance to restore and maintain the health of your trees.
