Girdling Tree Roots
![tree circling root | Walter Reeves: The Georgia Gardener circling root](https://t9e4s3i5.rocketcdn.me/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/tree-circling-root-600x400.jpg)
When a root closely circles a tree trunk rather than growing outward, it is called a “girdling root”. The situation usually starts when the tree is young. Somehow a root begins circling the trunk. As it grows larger and the trunk expands, pressure against the tree base limits water and nutrients going to the leaves.
I see this frequently, especially on maple trees that were grown in containers. If less than one-fourth of the trunk is damaged, remove the root now. Wait until winter to remove larger roots.
Details at Removing Circling Roots
![tree circling root | Walter Reeves: The Georgia Gardener circling root](http://www.walterreeves.com/wr2020/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/tree-circling-root-scaled.jpg)
circling root will damage main root
![tree girdling root | Walter Reeves: The Georgia Gardener girdling root](http://www.walterreeves.com/wr2020/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/tree-girdling-root.jpg)
girdling root
![tree flare roots | Walter Reeves: The Georgia Gardener tree flare roots](http://www.walterreeves.com/wr2020/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/tree-flare-roots.jpg)
tree flare roots growing outward