Cutting Circling/Girdling Roots

[cyad]

Greetings:

New member here slowly converting from the dark side.

I've always been a bit leary about cutting roots, but it sounds like if there are some that circle and girdle, they need to be cut and it won't harm the tree. I have a bigtooth maple (about 10-12 feet tall, trunk diameter 5-6"). There is a circling root that hugs the trunk about a third of its circumference. It's beginning to press into the trunk. That appears to be the only problem.

Can I cut that root, say, an inch on either side of the trunk without harming the tree? And, can that root stay in place and allowed to naturally rot out if it doesn't easily break loose?

There are some solid roots protruding from the trunk with a good flare, so I don't think cutting the strangler will impact the health of the tree, but I want to be sure.

Also, is there some type of post-op care the tree should be given after the root is cut?

The tree in good shape. Real healthy. Good color. And it survived these ridiculous winds we've had over the last few weeks.

Thanks.

[e Craig]

Welcome!

That root you describe surely needs to be cut, carefully, basically in the manner that you have described. One of my posts goes into more detail. See it, near the end [page 2], in another topic in this forum http://www.dirtdoctor.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=7656.

You may well have already seen other topics in this [Trees] forum, such as "Tree Flares", "Root Flares", "Nursery Issue ...", etc. There are some good videos in the Video Library. And HG's tree planting suggestions in the Library.

Take care.
Craig