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Root Health
• 58% need root collars excavated • 18% need mulch added • 12% have surface roots • 4% have girdling roots • 2% of trees have created sidewalk conflicts More than half of all street trees have more than 3 inches of soil and mulch piled on the root system. This can cause roots to girdle the stem, cutting off circulation to the can- opy. It also creates an environment that en- courages termites and fungus that can even- tually kill the tree. Other issues include lack of mulch on newly planted trees and surface roots, indicating very poor, compacted soil conditions.
An extreme example of excessive mulching, which creates perfect conditions for fungus and termites to attack the lower stem.
RECOMMENDATION: Excavate buried root collars and provide public education to prevent easily preventable tree death from excessive mulch and soil.
This cherry tree has roots that girdle the stem, and can cut of circulation and eventually kill the tree.
Pruning for Health
These two branches are poorly attached, and one should be removed during periodic structural pruning.
A tree with a low fork. This limb will need to be subordinated and removed to preserve the strength and long term health of the tree.
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