Knowledgebase
Linden girdling #869151
Asked May 19, 2024, 6:37 PM EDT
We have an established linden in our back yard. About three years ago we noticed that the leaves did not seem to be as prolific as previously and there were dead branches throughout the canopy of the tree (primarily smaller branches). Last year we noticed growth at the base of the tree and we had 3 different people out to see it. My husband looked up the condition online and began to try to chip off parts of the girdling. We were told it was very rare and we would probably lose the tree. If so, we are concerned about what kind of tree to replace it with. Our soil is clay with fist sized rocks throughout.
Weld County Colorado
Expert Response
Thanks for contacting us about your linden tree. Your pictures tell the story well; many years of girdling roots growing larger and larger cutting off the flow of nutrients within the tree. Those nutrients pass from the roots to the canopy as well as from the leaves (photosynthesis) down to the roots (it’s a two-way system!) and it occurs very close to the trunk surface right under the rough bark – in the outermost ring of annual growth rings in the tree. The tree does its best to survive for as long as it is able, but finally cannot keep feeding the massive structure. I concur with the assessment that this tree will not survive and you will continue to see its decline over time.
Improper planting most likely caused this problem, and has become quite common. New trees are often in pots or in “ball and burlap” wire baskets where the young trees’ roots grow in circles. Dropping them into their new planting hole without correcting that will only continue the circling. See this comprehensive information that has diagrams and good explanations for each step.
Tips: 1. As difficult as it may seem, cut off those roots in the pot that are growing in circles (see the fact sheet).
2. Your soil is fine; this tree grew well in it. We need to plant trees that can deal with living in Colorado soils. If you change/amend the soil in the new planting hole, the new tree roots may just continue to circle in the new hole like it was a new pot. Tree roots extend 2-3 times the width of the canopy as they grow if they are not confined.
What to plant next? That depends! Space or water limitations? Flowers? Fruit? Shade only? Deciduous (leaves) or conifer (needles)? What have you seen in our landscapes that you like? Feel free to send pictures for us to identify and offer tips if you don’t know what they are. Go to a good, local nursery where their staff is knowledgeable and you can see trees that meet your criteria. See this newly updated Front Range Tree Recommendation List and holler with any questions about trees that have been researched for our area.
Karin
On 05/21/2024 12:32 PM MDT Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
I should have mentioned that there is no reason not to plant the same kind of tree. Lindens are lovely and one of my personal favorites. I wish they could bottle the wonderful fragrance of the flowers!
All nurseries are in the mass production business so we have the wide selections to choose from, and most trees of all species in pots do have roots that circle. Yes, lindens are one of the species that has a tendency to circling roots, but we can "manhandle" them into submission at the time of planting. There are many, many long-lived examples of these trees in our landscapes.
I had suggested local nurseries so you could have the opportunity to see a wide variety of other recommended trees as well as have some knowledgeable staff if needed. (Rather than a big box store, for example.)
Best of luck going forward.
Karin
