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Root Collar Excavation for spruce tree #864416

Asked April 13, 2024, 6:00 PM EDT

An arborist has recommended a root collar excavation for a 30-year old spruce. I searched your database for any references and did not find any. Does this mean it is not a common or recommended treatment? It is expensive. I appreciate that removing any stem girdling roots could be beneficial. But, how has the tree lived this long if roots are so tangled? That said, the spruce could use any help to improve its health. It does have Cytospora canker spores, specifically diagnosed by the UMN Plant Disease Clinic, and the canker has been the primary cause of needle/limb loss. The disease clinic also found a very small amount of Rhizosphaera needle cast. Ideally, the tree could be healthy enough to fight off disease. Would investing in a root collar excavation be worth it. More importantly, would the excavation be too much of a risk? Any advice would be appreciated! Thanks.

Hennepin County Minnesota

Expert Response

Hi Renee -- Spruce trees are moderately long lived, often surviving 100 to 250 years, depending on the species. I don’t know what type of spruce you have but given its relatively young age and current health issues suggest that the tree may benefit from any measures that can improve its health and resistance to disease. 

Stem girdling roots is unfortunately not uncommon although much of the literature talks about its prevention rather than its treatment, especially in mature trees. As in your case, not all trees with stem girdling roots die young or fail during windstorms. For those trees a root collar excavation whereby the tree’s root flare is exposed and girdling roots can then be removed, preferably back to a point where they will grow outward from the trunk, is a potential treatment. 

There are risks. Some roots may be too in-grown to remove and may result in greater damage to the tree if removal is attempted. There is also the risk of introducing new pathogens during the excavation process. However, if successful a root collar excavation could potentially help by reducing stress on your tree and improving the health of its root system, but the treatment is invasive and expensive.

I found a few resources that you might peruse as you make your decision. One is pdf
by a UMN Forestry Professor. This publication has tips for management after girdling is addressed. Colorado State University Extension does a nice job describing common root issues, including girdling. If still undecided, it may be worth consulting with a second arborist who is familiar with the specific needs of spruce trees and learn their recommendation for treatment. Good Luck!


An Ask Extension Expert Replied April 15, 2024, 10:13 AM EDT

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