We all enjoy lying down in the shade under the canopy of a large maple tree. The tree stands tall and strong and protects you from the heat on those hot Okanagan summer days. We take for granted the proper care needed for a tree to be healthy and grow to its full potential.
What are root collars, and why are they important?
It all begins with proper planting techniques. Far too often, when planting trees, they get planted too deep, or mulch is piled up too high around the base of the trunk. This area is called the root collar. The root collar is the area where the roots join the main trunk, and can be identified by a flaring of the trunk leading to the major roots. When mulch or dirt is piled too high on the trunk, the root collar stays moist, thereby suffocating the cells, inhibiting gas exchange and the movement of food and water up and down the tree.
The dangers of a buried root collar
The mounding of material around the root collar will eventually lead to dieback and roots encircling the trunk, causing girdling of the trunk. The girdling slowly strangles the tree and deprives the roots and canopy of water and food. We all know what happens to people when they don’t have any food or water; their health declines.
As the tree declines in health and is stressed, it becomes more susceptible to attack from insects, diseases and fungi, causing further harm to the tree.
Watch out for these tell-tale signs:
Some of the symptoms of a buried root collar are the yellowing of the leaves, early leaf colouration and drop, and dieback of the tips of the tree's top branches.
So, the next time you work in the garden, examine your trees to ensure the root flare is exposed. If you find that the trunk is buried, slowly excavate an area as large as possible away from the trunk. We advise keeping a minimum excavation radius of approximately 15cm to remove excess soil and mulch until you find the flare.
Shrubs and plants are generally the same as trees; if you bury the root collars, the plant will suffocate, and its health will decline, taking away from the plant’s natural beauty.
If you are located in the Okanagan region and are passionate about preserving the beauty and health of your trees, take a moment to inspect your plants’ root collars and ensure their vitality. Help them breathe, grow, and thrive – Let your West Kelowna-based experts help you uncover the root flare today and give your garden the care it deserves!
