Emergency Tree Removal
Many homeowners don’t even realize that their trees’ branches and canopies occasionally need tending to, so it’s no surprise that a tree’s root structure is often completely overlooked. Unfortunately, neglecting a tree’s roots can cause an array of problems, from buckled sidewalks and cracked foundations to weakened trees that are more vulnerable to storm damage and disease.
The good news is that these issues don’t have to become part of your future. With proper rootwork, your trees can flourish without compromising the rest of your landscape, your plumbing system, or your home’s foundation.
Let’s take a closer look at why tree root maintenance is essential and how you can take proactive steps to make sure your trees remain healthy for generations to come.
The Role of Your Tree’s Root System
The vast and complex network of roots beneath every single one of your trees is responsible for absorbing water and nutrients, anchoring the tree securely in place, and storing energy. Without these healthy roots, your tree cannot grow, remain stable, or defend itself against environmental stressors. In fact, aboveground growth will not start until the tree has established the ability to uptake oxygen, water, and nutrients.
Your tree relies on two types of roots: the large, woody roots that provide structural support and the finer, hair-like roots that do most of the work absorbing nutrients and water. These feeder roots tend to grow in the upper 6-12 inches of soil and can extend far beyond the tree’s canopy. This means your tree’s root system may be interacting with parts of your yard, garden beds, or underground utilities without you even realizing it.
You must also realize that here in North Carolina, the heavy clay content of our soil prevents roots from growing very deep. The shallow root system makes trees much more vulnerable to damage. Activities like digging or even driving on the soil can compact the clay, reducing the pore space that holds the nutrients vital for the tree’s survival. So, you must be extremely careful when doing anything near a tree.
Now that you know the basic structure of a tree’s root system, we can explore the many reasons tree root maintenance is important.
The Benefits of Proper Tree Root Care
Routine root maintenance provides a host of benefits not only for the tree itself but also for your surrounding property. Here are some of its biggest advantages:
Improved Tree Health and Longevity
Trees rely on roots to access water and nutrients, so when the roots are well-nourished and protected, the entire tree flourishes. More specifically, proper root care supports photosynthesis and helps your tree resist disease and pests. It also allows your tree to withstand periods of drought and adverse weather. All of this translates into a longer-living tree.
Better Soil and Water Management
Since tree root maintenance often includes improving soil structure and drainage through aeration and mulching, you increase oxygen flow and reduce runoff, allowing roots to grow deeper and stronger. As a result, trees become more drought-tolerant and less dependent on frequent watering.
Reduced Risk of Property Damage
Tree roots are persistent and powerful. Without proper guidance or control, they can lift pavement, crack driveways, and even disturb a home’s foundation. By tending to your tree’s roots with root pruning or the installation of root barriers, you can steer roots away from vulnerable areas and avoid expensive repairs in the future.
Fewer Plumbing Problems
Did you know that tree roots are naturally drawn to moisture and can easily infiltrate small cracks in underground plumbing and sewer lines? It’s an all-too-common problem, and the damage caused by the roots expanding in the pipes leaves many homeowners searching for plumbing repairs. You can minimize the chances of these plumbing issues happening to you by investing in root barriers and routine root pruning.
Increased Safety
Many homeowners simply do not know that trees with weak or decaying roots are more likely to fall during storms or high winds, posing a threat to people, pets, buildings, and vehicles. If you’re interested in reducing the risks your tree poses to your property and family, invest in regular root care. Certified arborists like those at Heartwood Tree Care can help reinforce roots and strengthen trees to reduce the chances of accidents.
Improved Aesthetics
Trees that receive proper root care tend to have lush, vibrant foliage and a stronger presence in the landscape. Instead of showing signs of stress or decline, your tree will be an attractive and endearing feature of your property.
How to Care for Your Tree’s Roots
Root care doesn’t have to be overwhelming, but it does require an understanding of what your trees need and a commitment to regular upkeep. Here are some key steps you can take:
- Avoid Compacting the Soil: Roots need oxygen to breathe, so take extra care not to drive heavy machinery or park vehicles under your tree’s canopy.
- Mulch Properly: A 2-4 inch layer of organic mulch, such as wood chips, helps retain moisture, regulate temperature, and enrich the soil. However, keep mulch away from the tree trunk and surrounding root flare to avoid rot.
- Water Wisely: Deep, infrequent watering encourages roots to grow deeper and stronger. Just be careful to avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot, and never rely solely on lawn irrigation to meet a tree’s needs.
- Prune Roots With Caution: During construction or landscaping projects, root pruning may be necessary. However, this should always be done by a professional, as cutting the wrong roots can destabilize the tree or trigger decline.
- Install Root Barriers When Necessary: If you have a tree planted near a home, driveway, or sewer line, a root barrier can help redirect root growth and protect your property.
- Aerate the Soil: In areas with compacted or clay-heavy soil, root invigoration can help create better conditions for root growth. Consider hiring a certified arborist to complete this task for you. Our team has air spades that allow us to loosen soil without damaging roots.
- Fertilize the Roots: By injecting a specialized blend of fertilizer deep into the soil, deep root fertilization helps trees receive essential nutrients exactly where they’re needed most. This technique promotes stronger growth, enhances resistance to disease, and can revitalize stressed or struggling trees.
Let Heartwood Tree Care Help Your Grow Healthy Trees From the Roots Up
Healthy trees can absolutely be in your future — all you have to do is tend to their roots. And Heartwood Tree Care is here to help you do just that. Our team of ISA-certified arborists understands the relationship between tree roots and the environments they grow in and can provide comprehensive root zone assessments and soil care plans that are customized to your tree’s needs. With timely intervention, we can help you address problems before they begin to affect your tree’s canopy.
Contact Heartwood Tree Care today and let us provide solutions that keep your trees grounded, healthy, and strong for years to come.