The Arborist Journal

Removal of small trees presents no special problems. Some homeowners choose to tackle this small job themselves. Some challenges  would be of course if you have to climb the tree.  Let me be clear, after commercial fishing and logging, homeowners performing tree work is the third most deadly activity. So before you jump into the tree, thinking you can save a buck, think again about your family. If your not killed you could be seriously injured, with along recovery.

Root Flare is that structure on the tree where root tissue transitions into stem tissue, where bark is being formed. Root flares are not rhizomonos(root tissue), and requires the atmosphere to be in contact so that it will function properly.When this tissue is covered with soils, fills or mulch it presents a situation where the tree is restricted from functioning properly. Debilating the health and predisposing the tree to secondary stresses such as disease and insect attack. This condition is constant  and cumulative with every case situation being different, species, health and site are amongst some of the  the variables taken into consideration to determine diagnosis and remidy, requiring at times additional treatments.

Extremely important is the soil, covering the root flares, if your tree looks  like a telephone pole going into the ground you are a candidate.  Again, some of the more immediate indications of this condition is bark suffocation(inhibited,discolored), dieback in the canopy, chronic insect attack and tree susceptabilty to weather events.  After examination of the root flares, the canopy and assesment of its condition,  a Certified Arborist can set a plan as follows.

Remove the soil as far out as is feasible (preferably to the original grade) the rule is 1:3, 1 foot down 3 feet out. Don’t  create a bowl affect as it will hold water against the trunk and repeat the same condition. Address drainage and accomodate flow so as to minimize water retention. There are times where just basic tools are needed to expose root flares such as a power blower and hand gardening tools. But using a professional tree service with Certified Arborist you can minimize the damage using the Air Spade to blow away the soil without harming the tree. In addition the Arborist will be able to address any current or manifesting issues as the process continues.

Often growers plant trees too deeply and bury the root flares. Nuseries add soil to pots as trees grow and are moved to larger containers.  Then the homeowner or landscape crew follows the information on the cultural tag and plants the new tree at the same level as it was planted in the container, and the root flare is permanently buried or until it is removed.

It is not recommended to use shovels or trowels for digging, this will damage and harm the tree. Use only qualified ISA Certified Arborist.

Tree health care is the key. Take care of your trees, feed them every year, irrigate them consistently taking into account rain and drought and prune them correctly. You will have healthy, strong and resilient trees, ones that will bend rather than break.