Saving Suffocated trees? - Ask Extension
Hello,
We have 4 mature Norway maples (40+ yrs), 2 of which are red, or crimson. In spring 2023 these trees had ~4-6+\-“ of tree stump removal mul...
Knowledgebase
Saving Suffocated trees? #909334
Asked July 10, 2025, 8:00 PM EDT
Hello,
We have 4 mature Norway maples (40+ yrs), 2 of which are red, or crimson. In spring 2023 these trees had ~4-6+\-“ of tree stump removal mulch spread ~6 ft out around them (~1/2 drip line) and inc up to the trunk, and then another ~1-2” of bark mulch topping. These trees are now not doing well, with about a 1/4 of the canopy thinned and many dead branches. We removed mulch down to ground level, cutting a lot of the sm roots growing up, and see signs of girdling, inc one w/an ~2-4” root over a flair root, and one where it appears it may have initially been root bound, or had recovered a prior “volcanic” mulch.
Questions-can these be saved and if so how?
Eaton County Michigan
Expert Response
Hello
A lot going on here. In your pictures the trees look healthy other than the roots you mention and some bark separating on one trunk.
I recommend you have the trees assessed by a certified arborist, one who has had formal training and passed certification tests.
On site he/she can examine the root zone, trunk, branches and crown for pests, diseases and issues such as girdling roots, a common problem among maples. Some girdling roots can be safely removed without compromising the structural integrity. Trained arborists have specialized tools and training to do this.
To find arborists in your area you may search by zip code here- http://www.treesaregood.org
A lot going on here. In your pictures the trees look healthy other than the roots you mention and some bark separating on one trunk.
I recommend you have the trees assessed by a certified arborist, one who has had formal training and passed certification tests.
On site he/she can examine the root zone, trunk, branches and crown for pests, diseases and issues such as girdling roots, a common problem among maples. Some girdling roots can be safely removed without compromising the structural integrity. Trained arborists have specialized tools and training to do this.
To find arborists in your area you may search by zip code here- http://www.treesaregood.org
