Protecting Your Trees Tree Care Protecting Your Trees Tree Care: Mature Trees How to Protect your Tree's Root System The root system of a tree is a very important part of any healthy tree and must be protected.  The majority of trees have root systems that grow right below the surface.  This causes them to conflict with the multitude of synthetic obstructions created by man such as side walks, driveways, patios and buildings.  At times, resilient roots are unnaturally required to grow up sandwiched between two structures or beneath walkways and drives.  Strong, healthy, growing roots will also have no problem busting right through pipes or walls.  So how do we protect the roots and prevent this from happening? Make Good Plans before Planting a Tree The first thing one can do is to properly prepare for healthy root growth and tree growth before planting a tree.  As tree roots mature, they get bulkier and will slowly drive the shallower tree roots in the direction of the ground's surface.  When these tree roots run into concrete-covered soil, they are unable to detect a greater amount of air and light as they generally would.  So, they end up emerging out from underneath the pavement or other structure.  Therefore, it is a good idea to plant new trees away from existing concrete or paved areas.   The exact distance from any obstructions to place the tree in the ground depends on the type of tree being planted.  Trees that will grow to be taller than 50 feet in height need to be planted at least 12 feet away from any man-made structures on all sides.  For trees growing up to be less than 50 feet tall, 7 to 10 feet breathing space is sufficient.  If the tree's mature height is less than 30 feet, it is safe to plant it 5 to 7 feet distance from any obstacles or structures.  It is a known fact that most root damage is located within the first six feet from the tree's trunk.  The further the roots develop from the trunk, the smaller they are in size and do not pose as much as a threat as larger, thicker tree roots.   It is also important to keep in mind any nearby utility lines before planting a tree.  Remember when planting to leave enough room for the tree to mature to its full height without obstructing any nearby utility lines. Fixing an Existing Tree Root Problem There are several things you can do to appropriately deal with an existing tree root problem without causing physical harm to the tree or the tree root system.  If you have an invasive tree root growing on your property, first consider having it evaluated by a trained certified arborist, such as those on staff at Poteet Tree Service.  Do not grind down or take out tree roots.  This has a seriously adverse effect on a tree. Never cut a tree root with a diameter of 2 inches or more.  Doing so lessens the tree's capability to acquire the necessary water and nutrients it needs for good health.  It makes the tree vulnerable to dehydration and negatively affects the entire support system of the tree's structure which causes it to become weak and more predisposed to falling over.  If you must cut a tree root, remember that the further away from the trunk that you cut, the less dangerous it will be to the tree and its overall safety and well being.  When cutting a tree root, it is a good idea to use a regular saw to provide a clean cut to the tree root.  Breaking off a tree root will disallow the tree roots to properly heal from the cut.  Be sure to generously water the tree and mulch it after performing any type of tree pruning.  Fertilizing the tree in the spring or early fall will help to aid it in the recovery process and provide for good tree health support on the whole. The smartest thing you can do to protect your tree roots is to consult a professional tree service technician.  Poteet Tree Service offers both free consulting and estimates and can assist you in making the very best decision about your tree root concerns as well as any other tree and landscaping matters.  Call us today at 615-399-9999.