[CANUFNET] Stem Girdling Roots

[Julian Dunster via CANUFNET]

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.

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.

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
www.dunster.ca

On 8/1/2018 9:22 AM, Alison Bond via CANUFNET wrote:
> Hello Canufnet,
>
> Does anyone know of guidelines for the maximum size of a girdling root 
> that can be safely removed?
>
> 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.
>
> 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.
>
> 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?
>
> 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.
>
> Thanks for your help!
>
> Regards,
> Alison
>
> Alison Bond *BSc MSc BLA   OALA CSLA*
> *Landscape Architect and Certified Arborist*
>
> *ENVISION-TATHAM Inc. *
> 115 Sandford Fleming Drive, Suite 200, Collingwood, L9Y 5A6
> abond at envision-tatham.com <mailto:abond at envision-tatham.com>I  Tel: 
> 705.445.0422  I  Fax: 705.444.2327  I Cell: 705.994.2059 I 
> www.envision-tatham.com <http://www.envision-tatham.com>
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