Basics of Caring for and Managing Tree Roots

Planting a tree can mean a large investment of time, since many trees don't grow into their potential for at least a few years. So when you plant a tree, you'll want to ensure that nothing will prevent your investment from coming to fruition.

Although you can easily see and monitor the tree's above-ground components, the roots can be a little trickier. Here are some tips to help you care for and manage the tree's root system.

The location of your tree (and what's nearby) can be very important because tree roots stretch out from the tree in all directions. If those roots come too close to an underground source of water, such as a septic system, they could force their way in and cause problems. Tree roots could also damage your home’s foundation.

Conversely, if you plant a drought-loving tree in a swampy area, the location could damage the tree's roots by encouraging fungal organisms that could cause root rot.

If you've recently planted a tree only to find that it's too close to a plumbing line, foundation, or other incompatible element, it's not too late. Contact your tree services company about relocating the sapling to a more auspicious location. This process starts with root pruning, followed by a waiting period for recovery so the tree will experience less transplant trauma.

The larger the tree and the longer it's had to establish itself, though, the more difficult the move will be. That's because a larger tree will have a larger root ball to move, which will require a lot more lifting and digging power.

Your watering habits can be the difference between a healthy tree with deep roots and a tree that looks healthy but depends on regular watering because its root system is shallow. One technique recommended to help your tree form deep roots is watering the tree deeply once or twice per week.

Different trees may require different amounts of water, so consult with your tree service contractor about watering schedules.

One important way to minimize or prevent problems is to keep an eye on your tree and notice anything that seems to be a bit off. For instance, wilted leaves or a thinning canopy can be a sign of root rot. Some cases of root rot are fatal, but others can be successfully treated by a tree expert if caught early.

In addition to monitoring the tree for signs of root problems such as root rot, you'll also want to keep an eye out for signs that the roots could start causing problems with something else. For instance, if your tree's roots grow under a sidewalk or other paved area, they could cause bulging and cracking. You'll want to catch any issues early to minimize damage.

In some cases, your tree may grow roots in a wider circle than anticipated. Or, an especially dry year could cause its roots to become extra aggressive in their quest for water. In any case, tree roots that start to encroach on an expensive system such as your plumbing or septic system will need to be dealt with.

Your tree service professionals can help you decide which steps to take in order to keep the tree from causing damage, while still minimizing trauma to the tree. For example, in some cases you may be able to install a tree root barrier between your tree and your septic system. These can include root screens, root deflectors, or chemical inhibitors.

In other cases, you may need to remove some problematic tree roots before installing a barrier to keep them from growing back. Still, catching this type of issue early ensure that you don’t have to remove the entire tree.

These steps will help you stay on top of what's happening underground so you aren't taken by surprise if your tree suffers from root damage or tries to take over your plumbing system. Whether you need your tree irrigated, trimmed, treated for root rot, or removed, contact Baumann Tree today.