Root Flare Excavation

← Tree Work · Root Work

Uncovering the root flare to find and fix buried-root problems.

What it is

The root flare is where the trunk widens into the major roots. Soil, mulch, or fill piled against the trunk can bury it, and that can lead to decay, girdling roots, and decline.

When it makes sense

Trees with no visible flare, mulch piled against the trunk, a tree planted too deep, or signs of a girdling root.

How we do it

• Remove soil and mulch from the root collar with compressed air, which clears soil without cutting roots.
• Inspect for girdling or circling roots and prune them where appropriate under the ANSI A300 root management standard and the ISA Root Management BMP.
• Leave the flare exposed and finish with a shallow mulch ring kept away from the trunk.
• Check on it over time.

Standards we follow

• ANSI A300 Root Management standard
• ANSI A300 Soil Management standard
• ISA Best Management Practices: Root Management (2nd edition)
• ANSI Z133 Safety Requirements for Arboricultural Operations

Good to know

Not every tree responds the same way. We look at species, age, and condition before we recommend excavation.

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