Girdling root is defined as “ a root that grows around the trunk of a tree thus tending to strangle the tree. The result is that the flow of food from leaf to root is cut off.

How deep to plant: Don't pile up mulch 

This in turn kills the roots that then fail to absorb water for branches and their leaves. 

Soil and mulch beginning at root ball 

Trunks of affected trees are usually between 10-29 inches in diameter. Urban trees that were planted balled and burlapped are most susceptible to Girdling Root.

Click on the attached sound file to hear Richard from the University of Minnesota Landscape Arboretum talk about root girdling. He is seen planting a sugar maple tree on Friday morning, April 25.