NATURAL TREE CARE

Trunk Flare Management

Trees too deep in the ground or covered with thick mulch are unhealthy. Simple as that. I have been asked why the thick leaf mulch in the forest isn’t a problem for the trees. First, the leaves in the forest don't build up on the trunks of trees because they break down into a very small percentage of the original volume plus the root flares of trees grow and expand at a rate faster than the natural compost builds up.

Soil on the trunk, or on the trunk flare, which is part of the trunk, is very damaging to trees. Bark tissue is designed to be exposed to air and breathe. When trunks and trunk flares are buried or covered with too much mulch, the bark stays moist, is not able to breathe and an unhealthy situation is created. The first bad result is that tree growth slows or even stops. You have probably seen trees on landscape projects or in orchards that are alive and green, but not growing. That is often a case of trees too deep in the ground. The second bad thing is that diseases have an ideal environment in which to inoculate and grow to become problematic. The third problem is that circling and girdling roots can be and often are hidden underground. Because of this strangulation, growth of trees will be slowed or stopped. What's worse, these roots cut into and severely damage the trunks of trees. Many trees with this injured condition have been snapping off at the ground when subjected to high winds. Trees grown in containers are highly subject to this damaging condition.

One solution to this too-deep-in-the-ground problem is to hire an arborist to remove the excess soil with an Air Spade or Air Knife. If you do the soil removal yourself, use hand tools and gloved hands being extremely careful not to damage the moist bark tissue. Water can be used but only with a gently flowing stream or spray. Strong water blasts can severely damage the soft bark on the base of the trees. On the other hand, Dr. Bonnie Appleton of Virginia Tech has conducted research and recommends the use of a power washer to expose root flares. These are relatively cost effective and easy for homeowner use. We have also used power washers with success.

See more photos.

The best route is to hire an arborist that uses the commercial tools which are fancy sandblasting type tools that blow air (no sand) at a high velocity and remove the soil without damaging even the smallest roots. Once exposed, the small roots trying to grow up to get air should be removed and the ground depression caused by the trunk flare exposure should be left open. As the flare expands from the growth of a more vigorous tree, the open dish will fill in. All I would put in the depression is a thin layer of shredded cedar mulch – if anything.

Read more: Root Flare, Root Flare Exposures, Root Flare Management, Root Flare Management Arborists Dirt Doctor Library

Watch videos: Root Flares, The Air Spade

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Naturally yours,

Howard Garrett

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