skip to main content

Girdled roots

11 years ago

My husband and I recently moved to Myrtle Beach. We have about 18 large loblolly pines the back garden of our new house. I don't think they were planted intentionally. Either they were left alone when the sub-division was developed or previous owners just let them grow willy-nilly.

The one tree that isn't a pine appears to also be self sown. I think it's a liquid amber. But that's not the issue. In fact, there isn't really an issue. Just a "what was nature thinking"? Apparently the liquid amber is doing just fine, even with its roots in a circle.

Close-up of sweet gum "hugging" a loblolly pine.

{{gwi:422070}}

From a bit further away.

{{gwi:422071}}

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (9)

brandon7 TN_zone7
11 years ago
Looks as if the pine is in for a fight for its life.
wisconsitom
11 years ago
Friends for life! Are there any observable problems developing with the pine? It seems that some trees can have roots girdling their stems without any problem occurring.

+oM
Related Discussions
LaceLeaf JM: cut girdling roots today :\
Q
Comments (1)
Here are two photos after finishing:
...See More
Not a girdling root but a crossing root
Q
Comments (7)
your pic doesnt get bigger when i click on it ... so i cant really focus on it.. even if i put my nose on the screen.. lol .. the issue for me .... how much of the root mass would you be removing??? if this would take away 10% or less of the root mass.. who cares.. do whatever you want ... if in doing so.. you remove half the root mass ... i might suggest that would not be approved ... since on digging it up [it sounds like you moved it on your property.. rather than brought in a potted tree???] .. on digging it up.. you already cut off a lot of the root mass ... does that make any sense.. or should i try again ... i suppose roots dont blow in the wind.. hopefully.. lol ... and ergo.. dont really rub on each other to create a wound .. im not sure it matters with roots .... see pic for how a silver maple laid its roots on top of each other .. ken the pic isnt quite what i had hoped.. but hopefully you get my drift ...
...See More
Girdling Roots
Q
Comments (4)
Notice also that it came in a wire or plastic basket that is still present and intact - at least above the soil line - after 3 years. Cut through the worst of the girdling roots and pull them off or at least leave them with gaps so they can't repair themselves. And try to get as much as the basket off as you can, without damaging the rest of the root crown. https://s3.wp.wsu.edu/uploads/sites/403/2015/03/Planting-fact-sheet.pdf If you dig down (carefully) to discover pretty much the whole root system is going around in circles right next to the trunk you might consider replacement with a different specimen, that is not so badly deformed. This may take some looking, as even still quite small trees and shrubs may often have been left too long in bands or small pots at commercial production facilities. But at least with starter plants it may be more feasible to make significant corrections and have the plants come through them.
...See More
Girdling roots?
Q
Comments (9)
Wash the soil off, try and pull the roots open as best you can. Use rocks to keep the re-oriented roots in place while filling the planting hole. Another thing you can do is cautiously fill in around the base of the scion over a period of many years, see if you can get it to make its own roots in time. So that it does not remain entirely dependent on the deformed roots of the stock. Corkscrew etc. roots seem to be pandemic among grafted conifers sent to retailers in my area. Not that a lot of other classes of container grow woody plants do not have them as well.
...See More
widdringtonia
Original Author
11 years ago
The pine seems fine too. No obvious signs of problems.

The intertwined trees aren't a danger to anything. We have three other pines that are insanely close to the house that we need to remove (which breaks my heart because they're providing the most amazing shade) but these two are far away from landing on anything of value.

I just thought I'd share a curiosity with you guys. :)
ken_adrian Adrian MI cold Z5
11 years ago
IMHO.. a curiosity .. enjoy watching such

you are correct.. there is nothing to worry about.. if they threaten nothing ...

thx for sharing

ken
brandon7 TN_zone7
11 years ago
...well, unless the OP wants to keep the pine for a much longer time period. There's nothing wrong with wanting to let nature take it's course (assuming the falling pine wouldn't do damage to something of value), but it is good to be aware of the issue (which the OP may be, but we don't know with the info given). Such girdling roots very frequently result in eventual failure of the tree being girdled.
bengz6westmd
11 years ago
That's a war going on. Red/sugar maples here tend to try to "strangle" close trees like that -- wrapping a big surface root around the other's root-collar.

Could chop out the Sweetgum's strangling root if so inclined.
Embothrium
11 years ago
Visual tension produced is reason enough to take out the sweetgum, apart from the fact that it is going to start conflicting with the base of the pine - and is an unusually short-lived tree, with pointy fruits that are a source of annoyance for many.

Around here sweetgums from more southerly origins retain leaves into winter, break up when substantial snowfalls come early.
widdringtonia
Original Author
11 years ago
If we took out one, we'd take out the other. The litter of pine cones from the loblollies beats out anything the sweet gum could produce. The pine cones have sharp little thorns that fall off and make walking in the grass with barefeet impossible. And it's not as though there's a shortage. If it was a more valuable tree, like an oak or a bald cypress, I'd be a lot quicker in getting rid of the sweet gum.

These two will just stay there for the moment. Locked in mortal arborial combat.

Now I just need to wait for the leaves to fall off the two poor crape myrtles out in the front to share the desecration that was inflicted on them.
wisconsitom
11 years ago
That loblolly is a good looker, IMO. Can't beat conifers with reddish trunks.

+oM

Related Stories

GARDENING GUIDES Garden Myths to Debunk as You Dig This Fall and Rest Over Winter

By Benjamin Vogt / Monarch Gardens

Termites hate wood mulch, don’t amend soil for trees, avoid gravel in planters — and more nuggets of garden wisdom

WINTER GARDENING Pruning Secrets for Exquisite Roses

By Annie Thornton

Encourage gorgeous blooms year after year with this time-tested advice on how to prune your rosebush in winter for health and shape

GARDENING GUIDES When and How to Plant a Tree, and Why You Should

By Noelle Johnson Landscape Consulting

Trees add beauty while benefiting the environment. Learn the right way to plant one

FALL GARDENING 11 Trees for Brilliant Fall Color

By Marianne Lipanovich

Give your landscape the quintessential look of autumn with the red, orange and yellow leaves of these standouts

GARDENING GUIDES Tree Care: Common Tree Diseases and What to Do About Them

By Falon Mihalic

Learn to recognize trees that may be affected by diseases or pests so you can quickly take action

WORKING WITH PROS What Do Landscape Architects Do?

By Falon Mihalic

There are many misconceptions about what landscape architects do. Learn what they bring to a project

TREES Native Plant Alternatives to Invasive Common Buckthorn

By Pollination Press LLC

Learn how to identify and control this aggressive plant, and what to grow in its place

LANDSCAPE DESIGN This Hillside Garden Succeeds on Multiple Levels

By Bonnie Monte

Once a kids’ playspace, this terraced backyard now has a hot tub, dining area and other lounging spots for grown-up fun

Sponsored

More Discussions

Is it possible to supplement a plant with glucose?

16

Weeping White Spruce Growth

15

Is This a Sandbox Tree?

1

Dappled willow tree damaged by deer

3

Pruning of young Chinkapin Oak

3