Knowing how to care for tree roots is a critical part of ongoing tree care and maintenance. BUGG TREE CARE outlines some examples of what people can do:
LOOSEN SOIL AROUND TREE ROOTS
At least once a year, use a hand cultivator to carefully loosen the top 2 – 3 inches of soil. This alleviates compaction and allows water and air to reach the tree roots.
WATER TREE ROOTS FREQUENTLY
Healthy soil should be moist, but not soggy. You can check soil moisture by inserting a garden trowel to a depth of 2”, and then moving the blade of the trowel back and forth to create a small narrow trench. Then use your finger to touch the soil. If it is moist to the touch, no additional water is needed.
REGULARLY CHECK YOUR TREE ROOTS
First, find the tree drip line. This is the outermost circumference of a tree canopy, where water drips from and onto the ground. Dig a hole out of this area and determine if the soil is dry, wet or compacted. You can check by hand, or by forming the soil into a ball. If the soil is adequately moist, it can be formed into a ball with little pressure.
