Tree root rot is a silent killer. By the time most people notice something’s wrong, the damage is already deep underground. Caused by poor drainage, overwatering, or fungal infections, root rot attacks the very foundation of a tree, its roots. If you know what to look for, you can catch root rot early and give your tree a fighting chance. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the signs, causes, and effective treatment options to protect your landscape.
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Understanding Tree Root Rot
- Tree root rot is exactly what the name implies. It’s the decaying of a plant’s roots, often triggered by overly wet soil conditions. When trees are exposed to constant overwatering or poor drainage, their roots become saturated. Without quick intervention, the affected roots begin to rot and die off, compromising the entire tree’s health over time.
Why does Root Rot Happen?
- While roots thrive on moisture, they also rely heavily on oxygen. When soil is soaked for too long, air pockets disappear, depriving the roots of oxygen. This creates an ideal environment for fungi, mold, and harmful bacteria to take over.
Think of it like a damp, poorly ventilated basement that starts to smell musty, except here, it’s your tree’s underground root system suffering.
Spotting the Warning Signs of Root Rot
- Most symptoms of root rot appear above the soil. As roots become damaged and unable to take in nutrients, you’ll see the tree’s foliage begin to wilt or turn yellow. If the tree has multiple trunks or stems, you may notice the issue affecting only one section at first.
In many cases, a foul, musty odor will also come from the base or soil, another strong clue that decay is occurring underground. To confirm root rot, you’ll need to inspect the roots themselves carefully.
How to Identify Tree Root Rot?
- Be prepared to get your hands dirty; checking for root rot can be a messy process. If you’re working indoors, lay down the newspaper or work over a sink. Outside is even better. Start by gently removing your plant from its container.
Examine the root system carefully. Healthy roots are firm and white in color. If you notice roots that are dark brown or black and feel soft or mushy to the touch, it’s a strong indicator of root rot. A foul odor may also be present, confirming the presence of decay.
Steps to Treat Root Rot in Trees and Plants
Unfortunately, root rot can’t always be reversed, but prompt action can give your plant a fighting chance. Here’s what to do:
- Carefully remove the plant from its pot and shake off or brush away any loose soil. Discard the used soil completely.
- Rinse the roots thoroughly under lukewarm water to clean off any remaining debris.
- Using clean, sharp secateurs, trim away all soft, mushy, or discolored roots. Only firm, white roots should remain.
- Disinfect the container or use a new one before repotting the plant in fresh, well-draining soil or compost.
- Because the root system is now reduced, use clean secateurs to prune back about one-third to one-half of the plant’s foliage. This lowers its energy demand while recovering.
- Water lightly after repotting. In the future, only water when the top 2 inches of soil feel dry to the touch.
To correct any nutrient deficiencies or other tree issues, contact American Tree Experts Inc. We are a professional tree pruning and nutrient management company. Our experts will develop a customized plant healthcare program and look after your trees in the best way possible. Call us at (973) 744-6091 to get customized organic and liquid injection fertilizers for your plants to meet all their nutrient requirements.