Knowledgebase

Save 25 ft spruce 1/3 of roots uprooted? #647679

Asked June 08, 2020, 10:57 AM EDT

Is it possible to save a partially uprooted spruce by straightening it, staking it and covering the exposed roots with new soil? Yes, it's a big boy -- maybe 25 ft tall but it fell against our entryway so it is leaning at a 20-30 degree angle and less than 30% of its roots are exposed.  I'm grateful for any suggestion you may have for saving our spruce.

Arapahoe County Colorado

Expert Response

An article from Iowa State University extension says:

"Tree roots are not as deep as most people imagine. Most tree roots are located in the top 12 to 18 inches of soil. While tree roots are quite shallow, they often extend out into an area that is 2 to 3 times larger than the crown area. One of the chief functions of a tree’s roots is to “anchor” the tree and keep it upright.

While a tree’s roots are normally able to keep it upright, strong winds in storms can partially or completely blow over trees (especially when soils are wet).

It may be possible to save small, partially uprooted evergreens (those with 50 percent or more of their root systems intact and 10 feet or less in height) by carefully pulling them back upright and staking them. Evergreens taller than 10 feet probably can’t be saved. Even if a large evergreen could be pulled upright, it will likely die within a short time because of the extensive root damage or be blown over again in a future storm".

Sorry for the sad reply, but you will probably not be successful in your rescue attempt.

Annie C, Becky C, & Courtney C,

Master Gardener Volunteers
CSU Extension - Arapahoe County
6934 S. Lima Street Suite B
Centennial, CO 80112
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Arapahoe County Extension Replied June 08, 2020, 7:33 PM EDT

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