How to Protect and Maintain Healthy Tree Roots

We all love a towering tree planted in our gardens, but do you realize that your trees’ health may be dependent on the state of the root system? Understanding how to take care of a tree’s roots ensures healthy tree growth for your shady friends. Use this guide to learn more about valuable tips that will help your trees grow healthy roots.

Understanding Tree Root Systems: How to Protect and Maintain Healthy Tree Roots

Keep the Soil Healthy

Healthy soil and healthy roots, Here’s a look at how to keep soil in top shape.

Aerate the Soil – Compacted soil hinders root growth and diminishes the root’s capacity to take on water and oxygen. Aerate areas around your trees, especially where there might be heavy foot traffic. This action lets the roots breathe.
Mulching Counts – Mulching with organic material like wood chips or compost around the tree base has magic growth effects. Mulch holds moisture, moderates soil temperature, and abolishes weed growth. Spread mulch around the trunk in a donut shape rather than in a volcano shape for best results.

Avoid Damage To Your Trees’ Healthy Roots

Roots can be damaged more easily than you might think. Here’s how to avoid injuring them.

Watch Your Digging – Before digging, find the roots, and don’t trench near your tree. If digging is necessary, use hand tools and dig as gently as possible.
Mind the Mower – Mowers and weed whackers can severely damage tree roots and bark. Create a mulch bed around the surface area of the base of a tree to avoid mowing too close.
Construction Protection – Are you going to put in a new driveway? Protect the roots of nearby trees and provide adequate distance from heavy machinery. Soil compaction and other long-term damage are debilitating to the tree – they take years to recover.

Applying Fertilizer Properly For Healthy Tree Roots

While trees do need fertilizer, too much of anything is as bad as nothing. Here’s how to fertilize wisely.

Soil Testing – Have your soil tested before you fertilize to determine its nutrient content.
Slow and Steady – Feed your trees gradually during the growing season. It prevents overfeeding and root burn.

Keep an Eye on Your Roots

Regular root health checkups solve potential problems before they manifest as big issues. Here are some tips on what to look for when assessing your tree’s roots.

Exposed Roots – Roots are seen aboveground on the surface because of shallow root development. Protect exposed roots by covering an area with leaf litter and mulch.
Root Rot – Yellowing leaves, stunted growth, or a spongy area at the root base may be the first signal of this disease. If you suspect your tree is showing the symptoms of root rot, call in the services of a professional arborist. They can diagnose and treat your trees properly.
Pest Patrol – Watch the root systems for evidence of fungi or insect infestations that attack and destroy their roots. Healthy trees stand up to infestation better than those with poorly developed root systems.

Get to the Root of the Problem – Call in the Tree Professionals

A healthy tree is your best defense against pest infestations. While every gardener should be aware of the basics of tree maintenance, sometimes you may need to call professionals. They have the skills and equipment to handle maintenance duties.

Problems with tree roots must be properly diagnosed and treated by a professional arborist to ensure your trees are healthy and ready for the growing season.

Tree Services of Omaha – Tree Removal Services

Tree Services of Omaha, Nebraska is a full-service tree care provider that offers a wide range of arborist services including but not limited to: Tree Removal Services, Tree Trimming, Tree Pruning, Tree and shrubs Shaping, Stump Removal, Stump Grinding, Emerald Ash Borer Treatment, Arborist Consultations, Systemic Tree Injection (Tree Healthcare).