What Is Root Pruning and Why Is It Important?

Have you ever asked yourself, “What is root pruning?” Many people recoil at the thought of potentially damaging essential tree root systems. However, root pruning remains important in transplanting trees safely and effectively. 

Contact Texarkana’s tree trimming and pruning experts for all root pruning projects. Pruning delicate root systems requires professional training, equipment, and knowledge. Mishandling loopers, trimming roots too close to the tree trunk, and cutting roots over three inches thick may permanently damage transplanted trees. 

Please continue reading to learn what root pruning is and why it’s important. By learning the best root pruning safety practices, proper techniques, and necessary equipment, you can successfully enter any root pruning project. Contact your local tree-trimming professionals for more information about preserving the health of your trees. 

Importance of Root Pruning 

If you manage a small garden plot or outdoor space, you’ve probably never considered the question, “What is root pruning?” However, anyone attempting to improve the living conditions of trees through transplantation must know how to uproot trees. Other situations that may require root pruning include the following: 

  • Construction projects
  • Tree removal 
  • Land clearing 
  • Subsidence caused by tree

The average root system extends four feet deep and six feet wide. Expansive root systems support healthy tree growth and receive essential nutrients from topsoil and subsoil layers. Oxygen, nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium feed hungry root systems to support leaf growth, deter diseases, and encourage optimal tree health. 

Proper transplanting techniques ensure displaced root systems thrive in their new environment. Call local expert arborists for help with all root pruning and tree transplanting projects. DIY root pruning damages established trees, harms fragile feeder roots, and decreases the lifespan of trees. 

Tips for Root Pruning 

Proper root pruning guarantees thriving trees survive transplantation. Follow these tips for proper root-pruning techniques and tree health care:

Measure the Cuts 

Tree root pruning begins with avoiding cuts closer to the trunk of the tree. Feeder roots, small fibrous roots that absorb most nutrients, sit directly underneath the tree’s base. Aimless root pruning of feeder roots inevitably leads to dying trees. 

Take accurate measurements of DBH—diameter at breast height. Any cuts performed during root pruning should occur at least four to five times the distance of the DBH from the tree’s base. For example, a tree trunk with a DBH of 20 inches should be about eight feet from the nearest root incision. 

Use Proper Equipment 

Beware of friends who recommend using trenches or excavators for bare rooting or tree root pruning projects. Powerful machines, like excavators and trenches, can cause severe wounds in delicate tree roots. Wounded tree roots more easily attract wood-boring insects, diseases, and rot damage. 

If the roots of your tree have grown larger than three inches, contact local arborists for assistance. Make clean cuts into roots under three inches using handsaws, hydro excavation techniques, or compressed air. Both hydro and compressed air excavation techniques remain entirely safe for fragile root systems. 

Contact Professionals 

Professional arborists can help you determine the health of your trees. Leaning, insect infestations, cracked bark, and epicormic growth may affect the process of transplanting trees, potted plants, shrubs, and much more. Take advantage of the experience and knowledge of tree service experts when first learning “What is root pruning?”

Trust Hawkins Tree and Landscaping for All Your Root Pruning Needs

Hawkins Tree and Landscaping proudly serves the Texarkana community. We offer top-quality emergency tree services, land clearing, storm damage clean-up, tree trimming and pruning services, and much more. Call us at Hawkins Tree and Landscaping at (870) 330-9912 to receive your free estimate today!

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