Root Collar Excavation
Girdling roots strangle a tree and make it difficult for the tree to take up nutrients. A root collar excavation is necessary to remedy the problem. Girdling roots can be identified by the growing of roots around the trunk of the tree. Overtime as the trunk and roots both increase in diameter, the roots will choke the trunk, which will disrupt the uptake of water and nutrients into the upper sections of the tree.
If noticed in younger trees, it is possible that the problematic roots can be removed before any extensive damage is caused. In older trees, root removal is not possible and the tree could suffer serious damage. However, even in cases where the affected tree is not damaged directly by the girdling roots, the tree will still be weakened and made more susceptible to other diseases and insect infestations.