Stopping the Spread of Invasive Tree Roots

by secure_admin | Oct 11, 2021 | Tree Services

If you want to have a well-shaped landscape, you probably know that trees are a vital feature. They offer both functional and aesthetic advantages. They add shade to your yard while also adding an appealing element in the process. 

However, what should you do if the roots start to uncontrollably spread outwards? Well, one of the best things you can do is to a hire tree service to handle your problem. However, for those who don’t know, there are also things you can do to prevent this issue from happening.  

Aside from hiring a Pittsburgh tree service company for help, here are other things you can do: 

How to Prevent Invasive Roots  

Aside from picking the right kind of tree for your lawn, there are a couple of other things you can do to avoid having invasive roots. You’ve got to ensure the trees are acquiring enough water. Whenever trees become dehydrated, the roots of a tree might expand to search for more water. Thus, basic knowledge should lead you to think that keeping your tree hydrated will stop this issue.  

The only feasible answer might be to get rid of your tree if you notice damage to your lawn and think it is caused by the roots of your tree. An expert tree removal company can handle this task. They can get rid of the tree and the stump safely. The roots will eventually die once the tree is removed. This alleviates the damage to your lawn.  

Aside from that, you might want to think about installing a “root barrier” around young trees and saplings in your lawn. Usually, root barriers are made of strong mesh materials that limit the roots’ growth while still enabling nutrients and moisture to pass through. Of course, you do not have to install it completely around the tree. Instead, you can install them in front of water lines, septic tanks, sidewalks, driveways, or other places that can obtain damage from invasive root growth.   

Issues with Invasive Tree Roots  

Invasive tree roots present a lot of various issues. A lot of these issues aren’t obvious to the homeowner. The roots can literally break through a sidewalk or paved driveway, assuming you’ve got them. This causes costly and extensive damage.  

However, the biggest issue is the possibility of damage to the water lines, sewer lines, and septic tanks. On a couple of occasions, the roots will grow around the septic lines and tank. However, on other occasions, they will grow straight through them.  

If you want to avoid these problems, hiring a professional tree service company is your best bet for help.  

Conifer vs. Feeder Roots  

Roots are utilized by trees to offer nutrition, hydration, and stability. The roots of a tree will grow deeper into the ground to try to find water if it becomes dehydrated. Because of that, particular forms of trees have more invasive and bigger root structures compared to others.   

For example, in general, feeder roots are smaller compared to conifer roots. Thus, it is suggested that you stick with feeders if you’re worried about invasive roots damaging your lawn.  

Is Your Tree Healthy?

by secure_admin | Mar 1, 2021 | Tree Services

Pruning and trimming your tree might not be included in one of your chores. However, it’s appropriate that you stay on top of your tree’s health maintenance. Your tree might appear fine from a distance. However, there can be indications of decay or damage up close. Things such as root rot might be hiding beneath the surface and you want to ensure you resolve it before it turns into a major problem.  

It’s crucial that you hire a professional arborist that offers tree services if you’re worried about your tree’s health. You can have peace of mind if you know how to spot decay or damage in your tree.  

Twigs and Branches 

• Breaking open a twig to see the interior color is a very simple way to identify the health of your tree. You need to see a bright green color when you open the twig. The branch you took the twig from is dead if you see anything black or brown.  
• Be wary of dead branches. To see if your branches are dead, look at the bark and trunk indicators below. 
• Be wary of sparse leaves on the branches during the blooming season. It’s an obvious sign that something is wrong with your tree.  

Roots 

• If you notice minor branches sprouting from the tree trunk’s base, it’s an indication that your roots are not healthy. It shows that your tree is experiencing a lot of stress. What can the tree stress be from? Well, human activities like applying too little or too much water, poor care, or improper planting might cause damage to your tree. This is according to professionals.  
• If your tree is sick, it’s clearly hard to check the roots of your tree. However, there’s a high possibility that the roots were affected by the construction if you recently had construction projects near the tree. If this is the case, do not hesitate to hire a professional tree care company for help. 

Bark and Trunk 

• Examine for fungal growth on the tree. Your tree might be experiencing rot from the inside if you notice huge clusters of fungal growth on the tree. 
• Typically, the exterior layer of the bark falls off and is replaced with a new one if trees age. Unfortunately, a tree won’t be able to do this if it is sick. Thus, it can’t replace the old bark anymore.  

• It can be an indication that your tree is rotting or dying if the bark shows indications of damage.  

What to Do If the Tree Is Sick? 

Pruning does not always fix the issue if your tree is sick. You might have to get rid of your tree, especially if it’s too late to save it. Keep in mind that tree removal is a dangerous process. That’s why it isn’t recommended to DIY. The best thing you can do is to hire a professional tree service company to remove the tree for you. If you don’t get rid of the sick tree, chances are it might affect other plants in the area.