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<p>I do not think there is a maximum size limit. Girdling root
removal needs to be done carefully. Locate the root and expose it
it back at the place where it might be cut. If necessary use an
AirSpade to reveal the root free from dirt (but don't go hog wild
and blow away all the dirt in the area, only what you need to
remove to see the roots ) -- or hand dig and brush away dirt
around the roots. Then carefully cut it and any small roots
attached and lift it out of the way of the trunk. Any part
embedded in other roots should be partially chiseled out but avoid
damage to the underlying live wood. Any part of it not affecting
the trunk or other roots may be left in place unless that is the
part lifting the sidewalk. Trees can survive with a remarkably
small amount of fine roots, so you need to consider the structural
roots affecting likelihood of failure, and biological roots
affecting health and survival. If the tree is otherwise healthy
rerouting the sidewalk may be a viable option. The most likely
source of damage will be the sidewalk slab removal and any new
landscaping work afterwards. The roots under the sidewalk are
likely (based on photographs shown) to be structural rather than
biological. The finer biologically important roots may actually be
on the far side of the existing slab, right where the new sidewalk
is planned.</p>
<p>There may be no need to purchase the land. Register an easement
on it for the sidewalk that stays in affect until such time as the
tree dies and is removed. The easement might lapse if and when the
tree is removed and can be replaced, at which time the sidewalk
could be relocated if the landowner no longer wishes to see the
easement in place. Might be cheaper than purchase, and purchase
might reduce lot size below other thresholds. For example, a
minimum lot size for setbacks in the event of new development
etc. <br>
</p>
<pre class="moz-signature" cols="72">On Behalf of Dunster and Associates Environmental Consultants Ltd.
Dr. Julian A Dunster R.P.F., R.P.P.., M.C.I.P., ISA Certified Arborist,
ASCA Registered Consulting Arborist # 378,
ISA Tree Risk Assessment Qualified
Honourary Life Member ISA + PNWISA
North American distributor for Rinntech
<a class="moz-txt-link-abbreviated" href="http://www.dunster.ca">www.dunster.ca</a>
</pre>
<div class="moz-cite-prefix">On 8/1/2018 9:22 AM, Alison Bond via
CANUFNET wrote:<br>
</div>
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<div>Hello Canufnet,</div>
<div><br>
</div>
<div>Does anyone know of guidelines for the maximum size of a
girdling root that can be safely removed? </div>
<div><br>
</div>
<div>The tree in question is a 88cm dbh American Elm, apparently
healthy, but with a large surface root laying across one side
of the trunk. No obvious symptoms of girdling yet but I
imagine it is only a matter of time.</div>
<div><br>
</div>
<div>The municipality intends to replace a sidewalk that has
heaved. Re-routing it away from this tree will require
purchase of portion of the adjacent residential property so
they are wondering whether it is warranted given the potential
for a shortened lifespan because of the root.</div>
<div><br>
</div>
<div>With a road on one side and sidewalks on two other sides,
I suspect that the root system has been constrained and I am
nervous about destabilizing the tree. (The root is on the
west side). Does anyone have typical thresholds for this sort
of thing?</div>
<div><br>
</div>
<div>On the flip side, if the root is left in place, does anyone
have any experience with how quickly a tree will die once the
root starts to girdle? I've seen anywhere from 'very quick,
within a few years' to 'long slow death'. I realize that
there may be more girdling roots below the surface but this is
the information I have to work with.</div>
<div><br>
</div>
<div>Thanks for your help!</div>
<div><br>
</div>
<div>Regards,</div>
<div>Alison<br>
</div>
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