Knowledgebase
Save 25 ft spruce 1/3 of roots uprooted? #647679
Asked June 08, 2020, 10:57 AM EDT
Arapahoe County Colorado
Expert Response
"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 VolunteersCSU Extension - Arapahoe County
6934 S. Lima Street Suite B
Centennial, CO 80112
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