Knowledgebase
Tree health concerns due root exposure & damage #905717
Asked June 13, 2025, 5:09 PM EDT
Hello, we recently had to have our yard dug up for a sewer line replacement that left the roots of our tree torn and exposed for almost a full month. The yard actually had to be dug up twice in different areas, both times resulting in root exposure. There was also significant damage to the lower part of our tree from the use of the excavator. I am not 100% certain, but I believe it is a Linden tree. I am also not certain when it was planted but it was good sized when we moved into our home in 1998. I have included a couple before pictures as well as pictures of the root exposure and other damages. We appreciate your expert opinion! And if you think it has a good chance of survival, is there anything we can do to strengthen it? Thanks!
Larimer County Colorado
Expert Response
Hi Amity,
Thank you for your question. I'm sorry to hear about the damage to your tree. From the photo, it does appear to be a Linden. You mention it has experienced both root damage and exposure plus damage to the lower part of the tree. I'm not clear if by "the lower part" you mean the lower branches or the trunk. Trunk damage could be much more severe.
It's hard to predict how your tree will react to the damage. Fortunately it is a large tree and it looks healthy in the before picture. The excavation will definitely cause stress for the tree and you may see some signs of that over the growing season. You may see die-back or yellowing of leaves and minimal growth this season. Other signs of stress may not be evident until next spring when it leafs-out (or only partially leafs-out). Stress can also make the tree vulnerable to insects and disease. For now you can monitor it and I'll provide some additional tips below. If the tree shows severe stress, you may want to consult with a certified arborist.
One of the effects of excavation near a tree is compaction of the existing soil around the tree as well as compaction of the soil that was replaced after the excavation. This compaction is difficult to treat after the fact but compaction can limit the ability of water and air to reach the roots.
You can aid the tree by ensuring it gets adequate water for the next several years while it regenerates roots. I can't tell the diameter of the tree from the photo but it looks about 10-12". You will need to apply at least 10 gallons of water weekly unless the tree is getting similar water from rainfall. Lawn irrigation is insufficient to water the tree. Supplemental watering should continue through the winter, but less frequently based on the moisture of the soil around the tree. If you can clump soil with your hand, it is moist enough, otherwise water it.
You already have a mulch ring around the tree, which is good. If there is landscape fabric under the existing mulch then remove it. Coarse wood chips or bark chips a couple of inches deep are best around the tree because they allow water and air to penetrate while suppressing weeds. Expanding the diameter of the mulch ring to a radius of 2-3 feet from the trunk would provide additional benefit by helping water and air to get to the remaining roots.
This fact sheet describes how to protect tress during construction, which I realize has already happened, but it has some useful information and links: https://extension.colostate.edu/topic-areas/yard-garden/protecting-trees-during-construction-7-420/
Best regards and good luck with your beautiful tree,
Wes P.
Colorado Master Gardener Apprentice
