First root flare excavation - did I overdo it?

[cstevens]

This weekend I attempted to expose the root flare on my Lacebark Elm. I hope that I did not over expose or otherwise harm the tree. After scraping around a bit I found a couple of roots looked like future trouble so I removed them. I also found a lot of little roots that were wrapping around the larger ones so I removed them too.

If you have a chance and want to offer your comments you can see some pictures at http://bikwa.com/LaceBark/RootFlare/LaceBarkRootFlare.html
<edit> changed link to reflect server reorganization </edit>

Thanks,

Carl

[e Craig]

Carl,
Got a chance to look at your pics, some up close. It doesn't look overdone.

I have found that taking root pics that show desired details is difficult. These do look like you were careful to not injure the trunk. Did you dig deeper than indicated in the pics? And did you backfill thinly [as advised elsewhere in this site]?

Take care.
Craig

[cstevens]

I have done some looking around and cannot find the dig deeper and then backfill information that is mentioned. Do you have any links for this? Maybe a search parameter I can try? My searches do not appear to be bearing fruit.

I did not dig any deeper than indicated. I also did not use a Shop-Vac as I have seen reference to. (I have not found the source posts there either) I am going to try and level the area around the tree where I raked out dirt and mulch. If I need to continue digging or vacuuming I will try that also.

Thanks.

Carl

[e Craig]

I've been all over this website, viewed info under root flares as well as tree flares, including videos under Trees. Guess that I assumed [I know, never assume...] that you had also. Used the "search" on this forum. Believe that I saw backfill info here, somewhere.

Also been on the web w/ a Yahoo search. so far have found such as:

Root Flare Services [The same folks who are in the DD videos]
<http://www.rootflare.com/index.html>

A Practitioner's Guide to Stem Girdling Roots of Trees [They mentioned the wet/dry vac]
<http://www.extension.umn.edu/distribution/naturalresources/DD7501.html>

"Root collar examination"
<http://www1.br.cc.va.us/murray/Arboriculture/TreeCare101/below/root_collar_exam/default.htm>

Had previously been to <air-spade.com>

Do these links help?

Take care.
Craig

[rschneider]

I have had some experience with the root flare issue, mostly with trees out of containers to plant. That experience tells me there is ALOT more stuff going on under the soil as seen in the photos. You might see my post on the other root flare question to get an idea what I mean.
Now there is only so much you can do when the tree is in the ground obviously. The add'l problem is that my experience tell me most of the root problems are below the flare. Anything you do down to the flare is obviously very helpful. But I'd recommend you excavate a little more soil down & around to see what you find. The tree has been in there a while & is pretty solidly in place, so you aren't going to cause any problems by excavating even 'too deep'. BTW, excellent job on the pictures & layout. I have some pics of what I'm referring to but can't get them downloaded from my camera because that might be some helpful. Have fun!
Rick

[Dirt Doctor]

It doesn't look like you did too much - in fact there appears to be some circling roots that have cut deeply into the trunk. Those are the toughest ones to determine what to do with. You may want to get an on site cosultation.