Fixing deep planting and buried root flares
In the forest, tree root flares are near the surface.
Roots radiate out from the trunk like spokes on a wagon wheel. Roots grow in soils with active biology, including beneficial fungi, bacteria, and earthworms. This healthy organic structure is essential for good tree health. Many of these beneficial microorganisms actually replace or repel harmful microorganisms.
Tree roots need to breathe.
Years of construction, foot traffic, mowing, and lack of soil biology all conspire to suffocate roots. Arbor Doctor solutions help to bring back the good soil structure, good soil biology, and soil oxygen necessary for healthy roots and healthy trees. In our landscapes, tree root flares are often buried. Mulch is piled too high. Soil is compact. Lawns out-compete tree roots. Root systems are less vigorous and less healthy. More information:
Arbor Doctor’s air knife allows us to:
- Loosen compacted soils.
- Incorporate soil carbon and compost as a basis for restoring soil structure and soil biology.
- Remove excess soil from the root flare.
- Restore the root flare to the proper depth greatly improving long-term viability.
- Correct root defects such as circling and girdling roots (correction options can be problematic. Some defects are “inoperable”!).
- Enlarge mulch zones around trees. While deep mulch is quite harmful, wider mulch rings are essential to good tree health.
