Common Signs Of Tree Root Damage To Look Out For
Protecting your landscape and trees means paying attention to root health. Tree roots are vital to the stability and growth of these beautiful structures, as without them your trees can become prone to collapse.
Falling trees can pose a serious risk of injury and property damage, so should be avoided at all costs. Paying attention to the signs of tree root damage can help secure your landscape and prevent any unnecessary hassle.
Kneebone Trees are your local arboricultural specialists, offering a range of tree care solutions to clients across Devon. We have established ourselves as leading tree surgeons and tree management experts due to our years of experience in the field.
Over the years, we have handled projects of varying scales and requirements, making us a name to trust. In this post, we are exploring the most common tree root damage signs and how to handle your landscape to ensure ongoing health.
Common Causes Of Tree Root Damage
Before we can explore the common tree root damage signs, we first need to explore what causes this kind of damage and what it means for your landscape. By understanding the common causes of tree root damage, you can be better prepared to prevent these issues.
There are several common causes of tree root damage, leading to obvious symptoms which can put your landscape in danger. Pay close attention to your landscape during the following circumstances to avoid tree root damage:
- Construction And Excavation: Digging near a tree can cause root damage by severing or compacting the roots.
- Soil Compaction: Heavy machinery, foot traffic or vehicles can cause the soil to compact, leading to reduced oxygen and water flow from the roots.
- Poor Drainage And Flooding: Excess water can suffocate the roots and lead to rot, which is a particular concern during storms or wet weather.
- Drought Conditions: Conversely, a lack of water can weaken the root systems causing the tree to be unstable.
Paving And Hardscaping: Installing patios, paving or driveways over root systems can limit growth.
By taking care of the surrounding landscape and paying attention to the circumstances which lead to tree root damage, you can avoid a lot of issues. Should damage occur, you need to become familiar with tree root damage signs so treatment can begin as soon as possible.
Visible Signs Of Tree Root Damage
Performing regular inspections and tree surveys can be a great way to prevent tree root damage, as it makes it easier to notice common signs.
Some visible tree root damage signs can indicate a larger issue and highlight when professional support is needed to save your landscape. These include:
Leaning Or Unstable Tree
The most obvious sign of tree root damage is an unstable tree. If you notice that your tree has started to lean unexpectedly, this could mean that it has lost structural roots.
This is a serious issue that should be resolved immediately, as it can lead to the tree collapsing.
Thinning Or Discoloured Leaves
Damage to the leaves, such as yellowing or sparse foliage across the tree, can indicate that roots are not absorbing enough water or nutrients.
The roots absorb nutrients from the soil, which pass through to the foliage and support the growth of the tree. If they are damaged, compacted or injured this process will not be possible and should have a visible impact on the foliage.
Dead Branches And Dieback
Similarly to sparse foliage, branch dieback is also a common sign of tree root damage. While some branch dieback is common during seasonal changes, uneven or excess dying can be a sign of tree root damage.
If you notice deadwood or excessive twig drop, this could indicate that you are dealing with tree root damage and require professional treatment.
Fungal Growth At Tree Base
Pay close attention to the base of the tree, as visible fungal growth like mushrooms, can be a sign of tree root damage. Fungal growth on the base of the tree or exposed roots may indicate root rot.
Some fungi are more harmful than others, such as honey fungus, and need professional treatment to eradicate.
Cracks In Soil Or Pavement
Damage to the surroundings of your trees can also indicate that you are dealing with tree root damage. Whether this is soil or pavement, cracks in the surrounding surface can be a sign that the roots are expanding or are damaged.
Cracked and lifted surfaces could mean that other areas of your landscape are at risk, due to the effects of tree root damage. This can be particularly worrisome for surrounding properties or neighbouring structures, and a professional inspection should be organised as soon as possible.
Unusual Sprouting Near The Base
Trees under stress or trying to recover from damage can send out epicormic shoots. These are small branches that can be found growing from the base or trunk and often indicate that the tree is trying to fight a disease, damage or other issue.
If these appear around the base of your tree, it could be a sign that the roots are damaged and the tree is trying to resolve this issue.
How To Treat Tree Root Damage
If you do notice any of these signs of tree root damage, it can indicate that a bigger issue is present. While these signs may not always lead to a discovery of tree root damage, it is always best to act accordingly when noticing them to ensure the ongoing health and stability of your tree.
Based on the signs noticed and the severity of tree root damage, recovery may be possible. Working with professional arborists, such as Kneebone Trees, is the best way to support your tree during this time. We offer tree surgery and maintenance, as well as tree surveys to ensure the ongoing health of your landscape.
With regular inspections, we can notice the early signs of tree root damage and begin treatment as soon as possible. Based on the type of damage you are experiencing, treatment can take several forms:
- Improve Soil Conditions: To support the growth and stability of your needs, additional nutrients may need to be added to the soil. Compacted soil should be aerated regularly to support oxygen and water flow, and soil sensors can be used to determine what nutrients are needed.
- Adjust Watering Routines: A careful balance of watering should be upheld to avoid over or underwatering your tree, both of which can lead to tree root damage. Watering can vary based on the age, size, species and location of your trees.
- Prune Wisely: While tree pruning is vital to support healthy growth, it should only be performed in particular seasons. The aim of pruning is to remove dead or diseased branches, so focus on these to avoid excessive removal. Pruning should always be done using sharp, clean tools to prevent contamination.
Give Your Trees The Best Chance: Choose Kneebone Trees
If you do notice these tree root damage signs, it is time to act fast. Trust reliable and professional arborists such as Kneebone Trees to give your landscape the care it deserves.
With our experience and local expertise, we can offer the precise care your trees need. We have worked with tree root damage in the past and can provide a tailored treatment plan for your landscape.
Working with Kneebone Trees means entrusting your landscape to a safe pair of hands, as we work to deliver bespoke, specialist care for every client.
Conclusion
Understanding the common tree root damage signs can help save your landscape. Tree root damage can have detrimental effects on your landscape, causing the trees to collapse and leading to structural damage, which is why it should be treated immediately.
Tree roots are essential to the health and stability of these plants, and need to be kept in prime condition to ensure this. Tree root damage can be caused by a range of landscape factors, from construction to weather conditions, so no outdoor space is immune.
By recognising these tree root damage signs early, you can save your trees and give them the best chance at a full recovery. Our team is available to guide you through the whole process and deliver the care needed.
Contact Us Today
If you recognise these tree root damage signs and need support for your landscape, reach out to the team today.
