Resources

Stem Girdling Roots
Stem girdling roots are roots at or below the soil surface that partially or completely encircle the trunk of the tree. Over time, they begin to stress the health of the tree, including the root system. The girdling roots eventually cause compression of the lower trunk, creating a weak point that is often the point of failure in high windstorms. Many stem girdling root problems can be prevented by root pruning pot bound trees before planting and planting all trees at the correct depth—the first branch roots just below the soil surface.

Site Problems
Common site problems that may contribute to tree failure are: poor soils, confined rooting areas, and inappropriate species for the location (such as large trees in small boulevard strips). Most of the problems are directly or indirectly related to lack of oxygen reaching the roots of the trees. When oxygen is lacking, root systems decline and tree stability declines. It is important to know your site situation, including soil types and rooting volume, before trees are selected and planted.

Summary
While tree failure can not be 100% predicted, there are ways to determine if tree failure is possible. Decay, poor maintenance practices, stem girdling roots, and site problems can be indicators of possible future damage. Take care to analyze these conditions and take preventative action if possible.

Keep In Mind
If you have multiple trees to remove or just don’t have the time to do it, we are here for you. We can handle all of your tree removal needs in the Tri-Cities (Kennewick, Richland, Pasco) and even West Richland. We look forward to being your preferred tree removal service provider.

Tree Maintenance
Poor tree maintenance practices may encourage decay anywhere in the tree. Mechanical damage, including wounds from lawnmowers and grass trimmers, as well as poor pruning practices, often lead to damage and decay. Piling mulch several inches against the stem may lead to stem girdling roots and other dysfunctional root systems. Incorrect irrigation can over saturate a soil and can encourage shallow root systems, stem girdling roots, and unstable trees. Improper use of staking equipment (wires around stems) often girdles and weakens stems.

Poor pruning practices that encourage decay or the formation of weak branches include: flush cutting (pruning too close to the lead branch or trunk), leaving long stubs, “topping trees,” or stripping bark when pruning. Trees should have between 2”-4” of coarse mulch, none of which is resting against the trunk of the tree. Staking equipment that is not properly installed or is left attached to the tree too long will damage stem tissue and encourage decay. Never attach staking wires or ropes to tree stems. Use wide, padding materials around the tree stem and connect these materials to the tree wires or ropes. There are several types of padding available at many garden centers or hardware stores, but strips of carpeting, old belts, or inner tubes also work well. No staking or guying materials should be left on a tree for more than 1 year without inspection and adjustment for increased stem growth.

Keep In Mind
If you have multiple trees to remove or just don’t have the time to do it, we are here for you. We can handle all of your tree removal needs in the Tri-Cities (Kennewick, Richland, Pasco) and even West Richland. We look forward to being your preferred tree removal service provider.

The key to preventing damage in the Tri-Cities is to predict the things that could result in damage and take action to correct these problems before storms, high winds, or other types of problems strike. Look at the shape of the tree, current decay and its extent, maintenance involving the tree, the presence of roots, and existing problems. There may be other situations, but these factors are some of the most common.

Tree Shapes & Imperfections
Trees come in different shapes and sizes. Many trees suffer from natural form imperfections that lead to damage under stormy conditions. Having bark at branch unions is a common weak point in trees. Branch unions should have a rough, protruding branch bark ridge where the branches meet. Without this proper union, branches have a tendency to separate during storm situations. Trees may also have codominant leaders. This occurs when a tree has two or more branches or stems that are trying to become the center point of the tree. Codominant leaders typically exhibit inclusion at their unions.

Tree Decay
As trees age, they will naturally decay. Decay is the natural degradation of tree stem, branch, and root tissue. Any part of a tree that has decayed has very little strength and is the most common contributor to its failure. Location of decay within a tree is critical in assessing the tree’s potential for failure. Decay located within a single branch is not always a critical situation since weak branches can easily be removed. But decay located within the main part of the trunk can be dangerous. Determining the extent of decay within the tree determines the tree’s decay and potential to fail. For every 3 inches of branch or stem diameter, solid wood should comprise at least 1 to 1.5 inches. Anything less than that often indicates a branch or stem that is more likely to fail during a storm.

Keep In Mind
If you have multiple trees to remove or just don’t have the time to do it, we are here for you. We can handle all of your tree removal needs in the Tri-Cities (Kennewick, Richland, Pasco) and even West Richland. We look forward to being your preferred tree removal service provider.